Energy saving in the public sector
Energy saving tips for hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, local councils and government
Cut your energy bills
Use energy more efficiently
Follow our practical tips to reduce your business energy consumption, stop wasting energy and start using it more efficiently.
Upgrade to a smart meter
Smart meters are the clever way to measure your business energy use. Once your smart meter is connected and sending smart readings to us you'll receive accurate bills.
Get more control
Energy360® DataView is the free platform we've created to help existing larger business customers view their data - and ultimately - get better control over their energy consumption.
Save precious resources for where they're needed
Recommended temperatures for public sector buildings
- Offices 19-21°C
- Classrooms 18°C
- Sports hall and corridors 15°C
- Areas for very young children 21°C
Public sector heating systems
- Switch off heating for the last hour of the day - the building should retain its heat for that time
- Use time switches so heating is only on when the building's in use
- Don't use extra electric heaters, which are very expensive to run
- Encourage staff to use window blinds to retain heat in winter and keep it down in summer
- Regularly service boilers to retain efficiency and consider replacing units over 15 years old
More ways to save
Adjust your routine at your workplace and you could start saving money on your business energy bills.
Lighting
- Opening window blinds to utilise daylight could reduce lighting bills by 19%
- Use movement detectors, time switches and daylight sensors
- Encourage staff to switch lights off when they're not needed
- Install energy-efficient lights - using the right lights could cut your lighting costs by up to 80%
Water
- Hot water should be stored at temperatures above 60°C to avoid bugs like legionella
- Cold water should be kept at a maximum 20°C
- Ensure pipework is well insulated to prevent heat loss
Fitting taps that turn off automatically (percussion taps) can lead to major energy savings
Air conditioning
- Don't waste energy by heating and cooling areas at the same time
- Switch off heating in office areas when it reaches 20°C
- Only turn on air conditioning when the temperature is over 24°C
Ventilation
- Install variable-speed drives in your fans
- Ensure air recycling is optimised, particularly when there aren't many people around
- Consider investing in high efficiency equipment for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Electrical equipment
- IT equipment burns energy, even in standby mode
- Encourage staff to switch equipment off when not in use
- Use the energy-saving features on things like monitors and printers
Turning computers and monitors off at night can save £35 a year per desk
More advice from the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust helps organisations contribute to and benefit from a more sustainable future through carbon reduction, resource efficiency strategies and commercialising low carbon technologies.
Download their free guide to help identify energy and cost savings which can be easily made with little or no cost, and explore energy hotspots such as heating, lighting and commercial equipment.
Read more about business energy saving
Business energy saving in winter
Business energy spending increases enormously in the winter, but we can help you make savings
Energy help for micro businesses
The energy regulator Ofgem has set out a number of standards, rules and guidelines for all suppliers to help support micro businesses.
Our latest blogs about energy efficiency
Explore practical strategies on our blog to enhance your business's energy efficiency and lower costs.
