New Business Start Up Advice
/When you’re starting a new business, there’s a lot to do.
One thing that’s all too easy to overlook in the early days is your energy use. But make no mistake about it, getting your energy use under control from the start isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for your bottom line too.
Being energy efficient doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, there are plenty of simple, low-cost (or even free) actions you can take.
We’ve put together 10 tips to help you keep on top of your energy bills and hold on to your new, hard-earned income.
1. Get on the right energy tariff
One of the first things you should do is make sure you choose the best energy tariff. It might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one that can have a big impact on your business’s costs.
Think about when your business uses energy. Are you a strictly 9-to-5 operation? Do you have storage heaters or other equipment that charge up overnight? This matters because some tariffs offer cheaper rates at night and choosing the right one could save you money. You can check the different tariff prices for your business here.
Check out some top tips to test your tariff. Spending a little time comparing options now could cut your running costs from day one.
2. Put together an environmental policy
A good environmental policy is becoming increasingly necessary for doing business. It’s likely to be something you will be asked for. Don’t worry though, writing one doesn’t need to be a difficult job and once done it will help you communicate your environmental credentials to potential customers.
Here’s some guidance and a few examples to show you how to do it.
3. Monitor your energy use
Once your business has been up and running for a little while, you’ll start to get a feel for what your energy bills should look like each month. That’s when tracking becomes useful.
If your usage suddenly spikes, you’ll be able to ask the right questions. Was the heating left on overnight? Has a timer broken? Is there a fault causing equipment to waste energy?
Whatever the reason, measuring and monitoring your energy use gives you the heads-up you need to stamp out these profit monsters quickly and stay in control of your bills.
Try this free energy usage tracker will help you do that.
4. Get your heating system serviced
In the early days of your business, the last thing you want is a large and unexpected bill – the kind you might get if your heating system where to suddenly breakdown. So it can pay to get your heating system checked and serviced by a registered technician.
Sure, everything might be working fine now, but what about next month? Or in the middle of winter when you really need it?
A little maintenance now could save you a lot of hassle and money down the line.
5. Save at home
Going to be working from home a lot? Perhaps in the early days, you’re planning on setting up your business from home full time. Even then, you can still make sustainability part of your journey from day one.
You’ll find some quick IT energy-saving tips here. Plus you can find the best home energy tariff here too
And don’t forget to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland to make your home more energy efficient too.
6. Get your team on board
If you are planning to grow your business with new recruits, a larger team is going to impact on your energy bills and wider resource use.
Whether it’s remembering to switch off lights, using equipment efficiently, or spotting areas where energy might be wasted, a team that’s engaged will help reduce your energy use and keep costs down.
When your staff understands what you’re aiming for and why, they’re much more likely to support your energy-saving efforts. This Staff Engagement Toolkit is packed with useful resources to help you do just that.
7. Train to be a Green Champion
Boost your knowledge and learn the skills that will help you run a greener business with Business Gateway’s free online Green Champions training course.
It’s CPD-certified and packed with practical advice to help you save energy – and save water and reduce waste too.
Over 1,600 professionals across Scotland have already taken part, why not join them?
8. Choose sustainable travel options
Choosing low-emission and sustainable travel options can help your business reduce fuel bills and avoid charges in Low Emission Zones (LEZs).
And there’s several loans and grants available from the Scottish Government that may help you in this area. You’ll find a handy round up here (at the time of writing, this includes a loan to purchase electric vans, funding to help businesses near LEZs retrofit non-compliant vehicles, and more).
9. Learn from other businesses
Plenty of businesses have already made energy-saving upgrades, so why not learn from their experience? Reach out to others who’ve made similar improvements and find out what worked, what didn’t and what to watch out for.
Learning from others can help you avoid common pitfalls and make your own journey smoother. The Green Network for Businesses is a great place to look – it connects you with like-minded organisations across Scotland who are happy to share their insights.
10. Get tailored advice from an energy expert
Remember, Business Energy Scotland energy advisors are there to help you make your business’s premises as energy efficient as possible. From lighting to heating to taking advantage of renewables, they’ll show you the steps to take to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.
What’s more, once you’ve been trading for 12 months, you can use your summary report to apply for funding for eligible measures from the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme.
It’s never too early to get the ball rolling and request support for your business.