10 Ways to Save Energy at the Office

On average, small businesses in the UK use between 5,000 and 15,000 kWh of electricity and gas each year. For instance, if a UK business consumes 7,500 kWh of each fuel, reducing that consumption to 5,000 kWh per fuel annually could save the business approximately £817.50 per year. While this example focuses on small businesses, larger companies can also achieve significant savings through simple changes in habits.

*Savings calculated based on our internal data in Q1 2025. 

So, how can your business start saving money? Here are our top 10 energy savings tips for the office. 

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Top 10 Energy Saving Tips 

We’ll start the list with simple changes to your habits and work our way up to cost-saving techniques that may require a little bit of investment. 

1. Turn equipment off at the end of the day 

Office equipment accounts for 15% of the average energy bill in a typical office. Many people often leave their computers or laptops on overnight when not in use, which significantly contributes to this cost. According to the Carbon Trust, this practice is responsible for 60% of the energy consumed by office equipment.

• Encourage employees to take responsibility for their equipment 
• Every saving feature enabled as standard across all equipment 
• Purchase any new equipment with a high-efficiency rating

2. Office kitchen usage 

Getting a round of hot drinks in not only makes you look good but also helps conserve energy. By boiling the kettle just once to prepare five or six drinks, rather than doing it six separate times, you can save a significant amount of energy over the year.

Consider implementing a rota for each team member to take turns making the drinks. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also increases productivity, as employees won't need to leave their work for refreshments as frequently.

3. Turn down the air conditioning/ heating 

Managing the office temperature accounts for 20-40% of energy costs in a typical office according to the Carbon Trust. Most offices have people with strong opinions about the temperature and it could cause some friction. Finding a temperature that everyone is comfortable with can help keep everyone happy and shave some money off the energy bill. 

The recommended temperature for offices is around 21 to 23 degrees Celsius but you may want to set it slightly lower if you have lots of heat being generated from computers and other equipment. 

You should also schedule the heating and air-conditioning to operate strictly during working hours only.

4. Office layout 

If you find that the office temperature is often uncomfortable, consider evaluating the layout. Ensure that radiators, fans, and air conditioning units are unobstructed by furniture and are well-maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

5. Go paperless 

Photocopiers and printers consume not only energy but also paper, which is a valuable (and often expensive) resource. By adopting a “paperless” policy in your office, you can save both energy and paper.

Instead of printing documents for meetings or notes, upload them to a shared drive or simply send an email. This approach also eliminates the need for anyone to reprint lost documents, as files will remain accessible in their folders or inboxes.

6. Get A Smart Meter 

Smart meters provide real-time information about your gas and electricity usage, allowing you to see exactly how much you are spending on energy. Their transparency has led to increased popularity in offices, as they can significantly help reduce costs. 

Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a smart meter for your business:

No installation costs – Most energy suppliers will install smart meters for free, as the costs are generally covered by current tariffs.

Accurate readings – Suppliers receive much more precise readings, ensuring you are not overcharged.

No need to submit readings – Smart meters automatically send your usage data to your supplier, so you won’t have to take and submit readings yourself.

Enhanced usage monitoring – You can closely monitor energy consumption in your office, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and potential savings.

7. Switch to LED lighting 

Natural light is ideal for keeping the office bright during the day, but many businesses still need to rely on artificial lighting, especially during the colder, darker months. 

Fortunately, you can reduce your lighting costs by using energy-saving LED bulbs instead of standard incandescent ones. LED lights use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and have a significantly longer lifespan. While they may have a higher upfront cost, prices have dropped dramatically in recent years, making them more affordable than ever. 

The savings on your business' electricity bill each year will more than offset the initial purchase price.

8. Install light sensors 

Even energy-saving bulbs have limitations if they are constantly left on. This can be particularly costly and wasteful in rooms that aren't frequently used, as lights may remain on for hours or even days before someone finally turns them off. 

The simplest solution to ensure that lights are off when not in use is to install motion sensors. By using motion sensors for your office lights, the worry of forgetting to switch them off is eliminated—after a minute or two of inactivity, the lights will turn off automatically. 

Over time, the energy saved from automatically turning off lights can significantly reduce your electricity costs, ultimately saving you money.

9. Embrace hybrid working 

Since the pandemic, many businesses have adopted hybrid working models. While some companies may be resistant to this approach, it offers numerous benefits. According to the Office of National Statistics, 78% of hybrid workers in the UK have reported an improved work-life balance.

Additionally, this setup is advantageous for employers, as it allows for smaller office spaces with hot-desking and requires less equipment on-site compared to traditional full-time in-office arrangements.

10. Review energy tariff  

All these energy-saving tips won’t matter if you’re on the wrong tariff. Switching tariffs can lead to significant savings for a UK business.

With various tariffs available, it’s essential to consider when you typically use the most energy, the type of industry you’re in, and how these factors may affect your energy consumption.

It’s hassle-free and is by far the most effective way to reduce your energy costs. Why not compare energy prices with us today?