Site Logo

Businesses can save up to £7000 by going green

When running a more sustainable business, choosing to work with green-minded suppliers is a big step in the right direction. According to Carbon Trust, the average small business could save up to £7000 simply by improving their energy efficiency. 

Here, Instant Offices gives a breakdown of the cost benefits for business owners who choose to be more conscious in the workplace.

Data shows that implementing a few small changes can produce quick returns for a business:

  • Low-cost and no-cost actions can reduce energy costs by roughly 10%
  • Cutting energy costs by 20% has the same effect on the bottom line as a 5% increase in sales

Business Insider reports that small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are now rethinking their energy strategies. And it's not a moment too soon; current energy costs are impacting the environment and the bottom line of many businesses.

For example, heating in office buildings now accounts for 32 per cent of total carbon emissions in the UK, and costs have increased dramatically. Businesses spent £22.5 billion on heating in 2015, which was a 49 per cent increase from 1996.

Tips for a more energy-conscious office

Businesses across the globe need to consider all aspects of their operations when looking for ways to go green. Some common areas of focus include:

  • Electricity: Switching to energy-saving light bulbs throughout the building, and using timers for overnight and external lighting, can add up to substantial energy bill savings
  • Water: Encouraging employees to use water sparingly and wisely can also reduce the cost of utilities
  • Reusable items: The average employee generates 4.40lb of waste every day, according to Road Runner! Businesses can cut down on trash by replacing single-use paper cups and plastic bottles with attractive reusable cups and bottles, branded with the company logo
  • Sustainable supplies: Before ordering office supplies, research the available brands and choose those that have green policies, use minimal packaging and embrace sustainable materials
  • Paper: Going paperless also helps to make a dent in the daily 2lb of discarded paper waste. Replace printouts with e-mails and digital presentations and encourage employees to take notes digitally
  • Recycling: An estimated 70% of a business's landfill waste can be recycled. Make sure your building or office park has a recycling programme in place
  • Commuting: Allowing more employees to work remotely cuts down on carbon emissions generated by their drive to and from the office, and also reduces their in-office energy costs
More News
1 month ago
How to prepare for the new changes to employment laws
Employment laws are due an overhaul in April, with changes to flexible working, request amends, and protection for new parents and carer's leave, among other changes. Vivek Dodd, CEO of Skillcast, warns that failure to comply could result in serious consequences.
1 month ago
British Safety Council Keep Thriving workshop to take place in Cardiff
As part of its charitable work, British Safety Council is offering SMEs and micro-sized organisations in Cardiff the chance to attend a 3-hour workshop, delivered by its Being Well Together experts, completely free of charge to explore how to develop a well-being strategy.
1 month ago
Mitel appoints new SVP and Head of International Region
Mitel, experts in business communications, has announced the appointment of Simon Skellon as SVP and Head of International Region.
1 month ago
VIPRE Security Group appoints new General Manager of Business Security Division
VIPRE Security Group, a cybersecurity solutions provider, has appointed Usman Choudhary as General Manager of its Business Security Division, encompassing VIPRE EDR and Advanced Threat Protection for Email, SafeSend for Email, and Inspired eLearning security awareness training.
1 month ago
Ascentae unveils smart workplace experience centre
Ascentae, a UK-based workplace solution and value-added distributor, has announced the opening of a new Experience Centre in the heart of Clerkenwell, London.
1 month ago
IT at forefront of sustainability efforts, but lacks proper tools and expertise
A report commissioned by OpenText has found that IT departments are playing a major role in achieving corporate sustainability objectives and cited the lack of innovative tools and expertise as the primary challenges they face in meeting those goals.
1 month ago
Harrison provides bespoke manufacturing services to B&Q stores
B&Q set out to find a partner that could provide a range of display components, including a new-look dump bin. While the products had already been designed by B&Q, Harrison was invited to tender for the project at a later date.
1 month ago
Leyard Europe LED supports new educational exhibition
A 4K CarbonLight VX LED screen from Leyard Europe forms the heart of a new inspirational and educational exhibition at the headquarters of the European Molecular Biology Lab (EMBL), Europe’s flagship laboratory for research into life sciences.
1 month ago
Crawley Town Centre BID invests in AI visitor behaviour platform
Crawley BID has invested in Place Informatics Visitor Behaviour Platform to help understand, manage, and improve town centre services and events.
1 month ago
Viking re-establishes presence in Ireland
Office supplies reseller Viking is re-establishing its presence in Ireland with the opening of a distribution centre in Dublin, the development of a local sales team, and the creation of a local customer service centre.

Login / Sign up