Energy efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs ― it’s about working smarter. Whether you’re already making small changes, like turning off lights, or considering bigger investments, there are many ways you can reduce energy use ― and every step you take adds up.  

We’ve pulled together some practical ideas to get you started saving energy, lowering expenses, and improving efficiency in your business. 

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What is energy efficiency? 

Energy efficiency means getting the same job done using less energy.  

For example, swapping old light bulbs for LEDs gives you the same brightness, but uses less power, saving you money on running costs.   

Energy efficiency is often about working smarter. For example, many offices are using building management systems (BMS) to automatically control lighting, heating, and cooling. These systems can adjust settings based on occupancy and time of day — dimming lights in unused areas or reducing air conditioning after hours. By responding to real-time needs rather than running at full capacity all day, a BMS helps cut energy waste, reduce costs, and create a more comfortable workplace.

Why is energy efficiency good for business?

  • Lower operating costs

    Reducing energy use saves money on power and fuel bills. 

  • Future-proofing

    Helps your business handle rising energy prices and avoid overspending on future upgrades.

  • Sustainability

    Less energy use means lower emissions, which helps deliver on organisational targets and reporting requirements.

You’re likely already taking steps towards energy efficiency ― like switching off your computer monitor instead of leaving it on standby, or driving an electric vehicle. Every action counts, and together they add up to savings.

EECA Business Energy Monitor, January 2025*

How can you take action to reduce energy use? 

Improving energy efficiency doesn’t always mean big investments — often, small, practical steps can make a real difference. By maintaining your equipment, cutting waste, and fine-tuning everyday systems, your business can lower energy use, reduce costs, and improve productivity.

  • Maintain equipment and workspaces 

Keeping your equipment and workspace in good shape is an easy way to improve energy efficiency. Machines that aren’t regularly serviced can use more power than necessary, like an HVAC system with clogged filters that struggles to heat or cool a space. 

Simple maintenance tasks, like checking seals on fridges and freezers, cleaning dust from vents, or keeping vehicles well-tuned, helps everything run smoothly and use less energy. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your equipment, saving you money on repairs and replacements. 

  • Cut waste 

Wasting materials also means wasting the energy used to make, move, or get rid of them. A business that prints unnecessary documents isn’t just wasting paper, it’s also using electricity for printers, copiers, and lighting in that workspace. Restaurants and cafes that throw away excess food also waste the energy used for refrigeration, cooking, and storage. 

  • Improve systems

Adjusting how business systems run can significantly boost energy efficiency. For example, installing motion sensors for lighting in low-use areas, like storerooms or bathrooms, ensures lights are only on when needed.  

Businesses that use heating or cooling can save energy by programming thermostats to reduce use during off-hours. Even factories or offices with large power demands can save energy by shifting certain tasks to off-peak times when electricity rates are lower. 

Quick wins

Low-cost actions include adjusting heating and cooling temperature settings in your office, or encouraging staff to turn off equipment when not in use ― all of which cost little but can lead to noticeable savings.

  • Energy-smart work habits

    Empowering staff to make smart choices to avoid energy waste can have a huge impact on your energy use.

  • Use fuel efficiently

    Making small changes to the way you drive and maintain your vehicle can save you money and mileage.

  • Use efficient lighting

    Choosing clever design and technology could shrink your business's lighting costs by up to 90%.

Built-in efficiencies

Improvements like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as computer monitors or a new refrigerator, require some upfront investment but pay off over time through lower energy bills.

  • Use efficient office equipment

    Better, more efficient technology in your office will use less energy to perform the same function — costing your business less in energy bills.

  • Building management systems

    Consider a building management system (BMS) to monitor energy use and temperatures, and switch off equipment when it's not needed.

  • Insulate your workplace

    Insulate your office to prevent your energy costs going through the roof.

High-impact investments

For businesses ready for bigger changes, investing in electric vehicles, solar panels, or energy-efficient machinery can deliver significant long-term savings.