Here are our top ten energy savings tips for small businesses. How much could they save yours?
Tip 1 Label switches and encourage staff to turn lights off after use. Increase staff awareness.

Tip 2 Heating costs rise by about 8% for each 1°C of overheating. Check thermostat settings on a regular basis. The maximum recommended heating level for shops, restaurants and offices is 19°C.

Tip 3 Warm air will naturally migrate from heated to unheated areas. Consider fitting plastic strop curtains, swing doors or other suitable partitions between warm and cold areas.

Tip 4 Vending machines and photocopiers often run 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Install 7-day time controls to match operation to occupancy.

Tip 5 Lighting in a typical office costs about £5 per square meter annually. Energy efficiency could help you cut your annual lighting bills by 2/3.

Tip 6 The average photocopier will cost you 30p a night to leave on standby. That’s approximately £110 a year you could save by turning the photocopier off at night.

Tip 7 A typical computer will use approx. £150 a year in energy if you leave it on all the time. Turning it off at night cuts consumption by 2/3; using a ‘sleep’ mode reduces this by another 2/3.
Tip 8 By choosing the correct sized motor to run and matching load requirements with a variable speed model you can save up to 20% on running costs.Replacing an old boiler with a more energy efficient model can save up to 20% on your heating bills. Also, by insulating the boiler to a more energy efficient level you can save a further 10%.

Tip 9 Replacing an old boiler with a more energy efficient model can save up to 20% on your heating bills. Also, by insulating the boiler to a more energy efficient level you can save a further 10%.

Tip 10 Grants and funding are available for most energy efficiency measures that require investment. Subject to availability.