Step 1 – Switch to renewable electricity
The easiest change you can make might take not much more than a phone call to set up. By changing your electricity to a renewable energy provider you can reduce your footprint by a huge amount. Providers such as Energia, SSE Airtricity & Iberdrola offer 100% renewable energy sourced mainly from wind and solar power. Mainstream electricity providers such as Electric Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy also offer green tariffs for business. Both options will ensure that your business’s lighting and power needs are no longer burning fossil fuels.
Step 2 – Energy efficiency – small changes
Simple changes that can be made to reduce your energy consumption include reducing your heating by 1°C or increasing your air conditioning by 1°C if you have it. Incandescent light bulbs can be switched to LED, or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) which will reduce your energy bills as well as lasting longer. Timers and smart controls can be added to better manage your lighting, heating and cooling use. Look at energy efficient ratings when you need to change appliances such as the fridge in the staff canteen or computer/display monitors. Get the whole team in the habit of turning off the computer at the end of the day, or the monitor when it’s time for your lunch break.
Step 3 – Energy efficiency – Bigger renovations
More complex renovations can be made if you own your business premises. Look into adding double or triple glazing windows and improved wall and roof insulation. Solar photovoltaic (for electricity) or solar hot water panels installed on the roof can provide electricity or hot water directly to you, reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Consider switching from gas heating to a renewable heat pump system.
A rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing could also be an option which would reduce your water consumption and bills.
USEFUL LINKS
https://www.utilityfair.ie/business-electricity Compare providers and switch to renewable electricity
https://www.water.ie/conservation/business/water-stewardship Water Stewardship course for businesses.
https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/ to find out more about grants and supports that you can avail of on your renovation journey.
SME resource efficiency questionnaire