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5 Easy Wins for Small Businesses that want to go green

7 October 2024

In today's world, working towards net zero isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessary step for businesses of all sizes. Not only does reducing carbon emissions help tackle climate change, but it also brings financial benefits, such as cutting energy costs and attracting eco-conscious customers. For small businesses, it might seem daunting, but there are simple, actionable steps you can take to make a big difference without requiring huge investments. Here are five easy wins to kick-start your journey towards net zero.

1. Switch to Renewable Energy Providers

One of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by switching to a renewable energy provider. The UK has a growing number of suppliers offering electricity from sustainable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. By opting for green energy, you’ll immediately lower your carbon emissions without changing your energy use habits.
Many renewable energy tariffs are competitively priced, so you might not see a spike in costs—some businesses even find that green energy is cheaper! It's a low-effort switch that can drastically reduce your business’s environmental impact, helping you on your way to achieving net zero.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances

Lighting and appliances can account for a significant portion of your energy use, especially if you’re still using older, inefficient equipment. Replacing incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%. LED bulbs also last much longer, meaning you’ll save money in the long term on both energy bills and replacement costs.
Similarly, upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models can make a big difference. Look for products with high energy ratings, such as those with an A++ rating. Though there might be an upfront cost, the energy savings over time will make it worthwhile.

3. Improve Insulation and Draft-Proofing

Heating and cooling can be one of the biggest energy expenses for small businesses, particularly in the UK, where the weather can vary widely throughout the year. Improving the insulation in your premises is a cost-effective way to reduce energy use. Check windows, doors, and any other areas where heat may escape. Simple fixes like draft-proofing windows and doors or adding insulation to your walls and roof can make a noticeable difference.
Proper insulation reduces the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer, lowering your energy bills and cutting down on carbon emissions. For smaller premises, this can be a relatively inexpensive upgrade that pays off quickly.

4. Encourage Remote or Flexible Working

Since the pandemic, many businesses have embraced remote or flexible working models, and this can have a positive impact on your carbon footprint. If your staff don’t need to be in the office every day, you can reduce your energy consumption significantly. Fewer employees in the office means lower heating, lighting, and electricity use.
Furthermore, fewer commutes mean fewer emissions from travel, particularly if staff are driving to work. Encouraging staff to work from home for part of the week, or even embracing hybrid working, can lead to a considerable reduction in your overall environmental impact. It also has the added benefit of increasing employee satisfaction and reducing office running costs.

5. Reduce Paper Waste

In a world where digital solutions are more accessible than ever, reducing paper use is an easy win for any small business. Switching to paperless invoicing, digital record-keeping, and cloud-based communication can cut down on waste and save money on paper and printing costs.
Where paper is unavoidable, make sure to use recycled paper products and implement recycling bins to encourage proper disposal. The UK has excellent paper recycling facilities, and encouraging employees to think twice before printing can help instil a more eco-conscious culture in your workplace.

Conclusion

Taking steps to reduce your carbon emissions and cut energy costs doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. By making small changes—like switching to renewable energy, upgrading lighting, or reducing paper waste—you can make a significant impact on both the environment and your business’s bottom line.

These five easy wins are just the beginning of your journey towards net zero. The Accelerator Project offers a variety of services to support you in this journey from free energy audits, help to create a decarbonisation plan as well as online and in person sustainability workshops and webinars. What’s more, this support is fully funded.