Why Energy Efficiency Doesn't Require a Big Investment

It’s a misconception that energy efficiency is achievable only through large-scale spending on retrofitting existing systems and installing new technology. In reality, energy efficiency begins with simple, low-cost, or no-cost changes that build momentum, allowing an organisation to recoup its initial investment over a short period.

Why Smaller Steps Matter

Energy waste isn’t new, and the source is often complacency and the overlooking of bad habits.  Making incremental changes over time and creating small wins will encourage buy-in from across an organisation and lay the groundwork for larger changes further down the line.

Practical Low-Cost Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency

Behavioural Changes

Encourage switching off equipment at the end of the day and utilise senior management/management to ensure policies are implemented at a departmental level, so all teams are onboarded into new practices. Operational Tweaks

Don’t wait for an issue with your HVAC system before you call out an engineer; instead, schedule regular optimisation to make sure systems are working as efficiently as possible, so there aren’t dips or spikes that will ultimately cost you more money. Adjust lighting and heating schedules and utilise PIR and CO2 sensors to minimise energy wastage and take regular meter readings. Within months, you’ll see the change reflected in your utility bills

Policy & Culture

Create clear and easily accessible guidelines for staff that outline all the policies being implemented, the tangible benefits they will deliver, and the timeframe within which the results will be visible. Communicate the achievement of milestones so that staff can see the positive impact of their accomplishments and create more confidence in what your organisation can achieve moving forward.

Why it matters

The inroads to energy efficiency are the small, easy-to-achieve, tangible initiatives that will compound over time, delivering savings and freeing resources for future projects, such as the installation of LED lighting or solar panels. Just as significantly, the habits and practices developed through smaller initiatives help organisations realise the benefits of bigger investments more quickly and effectively.

Is your organisation ready to explore how many quick wins are within its grasp?  Schedule a consultation with the LCE team and let us help you get the ball rolling https://www.lowco2.uk/schedule-a-consulation