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Business energy saving in winter

Business energy spending increases enormously in the winter, but we can help you make savings

How much business energy use goes up in winter

Our table shows typical rises

Hardware retailer (average annual dual fuel usage of 210MWh) Industrial component manufacturer (average annual dual fuel usage of 165MWh) 25 offices (annual dual fuel usage of 1.6GWh)
Increase in energy usage, autumn to winter 40% (gas) 70% (gas)
38% (electricity)		 63% (gas)
% of annual energy consumption in winter 30% (gas)
25% (electricity)		 51% (gas)
39% (electricity)		 50% (gas)
Hardware retailer (average annual dual fuel usage of 210MWh)

Increase in energy usage, autumn to winter

40% (gas)

% of annual energy consumption in winter

30% (gas)
25% (electricity)

Industrial component manufacturer (average annual dual fuel usage of 165MWh)

Increase in energy usage, autumn to winter

70% (gas)
38% (electricity)

% of annual energy consumption in winter

51% (gas)
39% (electricity)

25 offices (annual dual fuel usage of 1.6GWh)

Increase in energy usage, autumn to winter

63% (gas)

% of annual energy consumption in winter

50% (gas)

Checklist to prepare your business for winter

Cover the basics

  • Clearly label light switches and encourage staff to turn them off when not needed
  • Position thermostats away from places where heat fluctuates e.g. in drafts or near machinery
  • Take regular floor walks to check for things like drafts and unused computers that have been left on
  • Keep windows and doors closed when the heating’s on
  • Don’t overheat little-used areas
  • Set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost of bills and get a discount
  • Avoid estimated bills by submitting meter readings on time

Get informed

  • Review your historic energy bills so you can understand energy use
  • A business smart meter can help you save time, manage costs and get more accurate energy bills

People power

  • Raise staff awareness of energy usage at work and share energy-saving tips
  • Motivate behavioural change by displaying energy saving posters, stickers and fast facts around the workplace. These are most effective when placed at sites of frequent energy misuse e.g. doors, computers and kettles
  • Empower staff by setting up a company 'green team'
  • Smaller businesses could appoint an individual energy efficiency champion
  • Set company energy reduction targets at the start of the winter and reward success
  • Motivate behavioural change by creating a sense of fun competition within the business

Consider investing for long-term energy savings

  • Insulate your hot water boiler and lag your pipes
  • Install timer switches and presence detector sensors
  • Insulate your building's roof and external wall cavities
  • Fit energy-efficient light bulbs
  • Consider installing task lighting instead of overhead lighting
  • Update older business equipment with more energy efficient versions
  • Consider replacing your boiler with a new A-rated, energy efficient one

Follow our calendar timeline

Stay vigilant over the winter

October

  • Report on your greenhouse gas emissions as part of your directors’ report. See the Government website for guidance on greenhouse gas emissions
  • Remember that the clocks go back in October – adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
  • Analyse your previous winter bill history to see when energy use starts to rise
  • Conduct an energy-saving audit of your business and share the findings with your staff

November

  • As the nights draw in, remember to turn off lights and other appliances before you leave the building
  • Ensure that supply and water pipes are well insulated to protect them in icy conditions

December

  • Check heating settings to avoid overheating the workplace – every 1°C of overheating can increase energy costs by 8%[1]
  • If your business is closing over the Christmas holiday, notify staff in advance with an updated energy-saving policy

January

  • Adjust heating settings before staff return to work so the temperature is warm and comfortable
  • Display a list of business energy-saving New Year's resolutions and reward energy-efficient behaviour
    Having a comfortable, well-lit environment will boost both staff and customers through the gloomy winter

February

  • Ensure you’re prepared for heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions – have a cold weather policy and discuss logistics with your staff
  • Make sure signage is still visible in low light and bad weather
  • Ensure parking and customer facilities are safe and accessible

March

  • Remember that the clocks go forward in March – adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
  • Maximise natural light as the days get longer by making sure windows and skylights are clean
  • Review how your winter energy-saving measures have performed
  • Make a note of what you’ve learned and plan actions for next winter
Stay vigilant over the winter

October

  • Report on your greenhouse gas emissions as part of your directors’ report. See the Government website for guidance on greenhouse gas emissions
  • Remember that the clocks go back in October – adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
  • Analyse your previous winter bill history to see when energy use starts to rise
  • Conduct an energy-saving audit of your business and share the findings with your staff

November

  • As the nights draw in, remember to turn off lights and other appliances before you leave the building
  • Ensure that supply and water pipes are well insulated to protect them in icy conditions

December

  • Check heating settings to avoid overheating the workplace – every 1°C of overheating can increase energy costs by 8%[1]
  • If your business is closing over the Christmas holiday, notify staff in advance with an updated energy-saving policy

January

  • Adjust heating settings before staff return to work so the temperature is warm and comfortable
  • Display a list of business energy-saving New Year's resolutions and reward energy-efficient behaviour

February

  • Ensure you’re prepared for heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions – have a cold weather policy and discuss logistics with your staff
  • Having a comfortable, well-lit environment will boost both staff and customers through the gloomy winter months
  • Make sure signage is still visible in low light and bad weather
  • Ensure parking and customer facilities are safe and accessible

March

  • Remember that the clocks go forward in March – adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
  • Maximise natural light as the days get longer by making sure windows and skylights are clean
  • Review how your winter energy-saving measures have performed
  • Make a note of what you’ve learned and plan actions for next winter

[1] Source: The Carbon Trust

The guidance on this page is for information purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation that all products and/or services will be suitable for all customers

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