More and more businesses are thinking seriously about their environmental impact, and for good reason. With net zero targets on the horizon, there’s growing pressure to act. But making greener choices doesn’t always mean big budgets or major overhauls. In fact, there are plenty of small, practical changes that can add up to a big difference.
In this blog, we’ll be sharing simple tips and ideas to help your business take the next step, whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on existing efforts.
We’ve also launched a short energy survey to find out how Leicestershire businesses are tackling the transition. Your insights will help build a clearer picture across the region, and as a thank you, all participants will be entered into a prize draw and receive early access to a report of the findings.
If you’re a Leicestershire-based business, we’d love your input!
How your business can start going green today
While we gather insights from local businesses through our survey, we also want to offer practical advice you can put into action right now. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 ways your business can go green, from simple swaps to longer-term investments that support both sustainability and savings.
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Switch to LED lighting
Swapping to LEDs is the easiest first step, and it delivers real results fast. Swapping older fluorescent tubes for T5 or LEDs is one of the quickest wins when it comes to energy efficiency.
According to Business Climate Hub, LED lights can cut usage by up to 90%. And since these modern bulbs last up to ten times longer than older fluorescent or sodium lights, you’ll also spend far less on replacements and disposal.
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Install solar panels
If your business is serious about sustainability, solar panels are one of the most effective long-term choices you can make. A typical solar system saves over 17,000 KG of C02 being produced over the system’s lifetime – that’s the equivalent of driving 13,000 miles!
Solar is a visible, practical commitment to going greener. It’s a great way to futureproof your building too. Once installed, panels require very little maintenance and will quietly support your sustainability goals for decades to come.
Of course, there are financial benefits as well – like lower energy bills and the chance to earn money back through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you’re interested in how the numbers stack up, you can find out more about the savings here.
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Switch to EV fleets
Swapping petrol or diesel vehicles for electric ones is a smart move for both the planet and your budget. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping cut pollution and improve air quality – especially in busy urban areas. They’re also much quieter, which means less noise pollution and a more peaceful environment.
And the savings add up: driving 10,000 miles costs about £1,209 in a petrol car, but just £174 in an EV. It’s a cleaner, more cost-effective choice for your business.
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Adopt smart controls
Simple tech upgrades like automated lighting and heating can make a big difference. Smart controls help reduce energy waste by adjusting usage based on when and where it’s actually needed. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your energy bills and the environment. As an additional benefit, it also creates a more comfortable working environment through ensuring consistent temperature and controlled lighting.
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Choose energy-efficient equipment
Outdated equipment can be a hidden drain on both power and productivity. Upgrading to energy-efficient models (from computers to kitchen appliances) helps cut energy use and lower your running costs. It’s a smart investment that pays off in the long run, as this can also prolong the lifespan of equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
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Encourage remote or hybrid work
If your business can support it, offering remote or hybrid work is a great way to lower your environmental impact. Fewer daily commutes mean a smaller carbon footprint, and employees often appreciate the flexibility too! According to EmployeeRemote, remote work cuts carbon emissions up to 54%.
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Cut paper usage
Reducing your reliance on paper is a simple but effective way to lower your environmental impact. Switching to digital alternatives can significantly cut waste and improve efficiency. It also reduces printing and storage costs, making your operations both greener and more streamlined.
If you’re curious about just how much of a difference going paperless can make, the Environmental Paper Network offers a handy calculator that lets you measure the environmental impact of your paper use.
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Work with local suppliers
Partnering with local suppliers helps lower your business’s transport emissions by cutting down on long-distance deliveries. It’s also a meaningful way to support the local economy and reduce your overall environmental footprint. Given the growing awareness of environmental issues, and rising customer expectations for businesses to operate sustainably, embracing local sourcing is a practical way to align with this.
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Use a voltage optimisation device
Voltage optimisation is a smart way to reduce wasted energy, cut costs, and extend the life of your equipment. Running appliances at higher voltages than necessary can shorten their lifespan by up to 46% according to Electrical Review. A voltage optimisation device lowers the supply to the level your equipment actually needs, rather than the higher level typically delivered. On average, this can reduce electricity use by around 8%, a meaningful saving for high-consumption businesses working towards net zero.
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Involve your staff
Sustainability works best when it’s a team effort. Encourage employees to share ideas, adopt eco-friendly habits, and take part in green initiatives. Small changes, like reducing paper usage or switching off unused equipment, can add up when everyone is on board. Consider creating a “green team” to lead environmental efforts and keep momentum going across the business.
Doing our bit – With your help
At Glenfield Electrical, we’re committed to making sustainable choices, not just in how we operate, but in how we support the wider local business community. Whether it’s adopting greener technologies or encouraging simple changes that add up, we believe every step counts.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to take a moment to complete our green energy survey, a quick way to share your views and help shape local sustainability efforts.