Christmas energy saving tips for businesses
5 December 2011
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We all know that Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, but a hike in energy bills over the festive period can hit the workplace too. Read our top tips for reducing your business's gas and electricity bills during the holidays.

The Carbon Trust estimates that UK businesses lose around £9 million over the festive period by failing to turn lights and equipment off. Follow these tips to save energy and money.

  • When everyone leaves your premises for the Christmas holidays, make sure all computers, photocopiers, printers and non-essential equipment is turned off at the plug socket and nothing is just left on standby – it could still be using up to 90% of its standing consumption.

  • In particular, make sure monitors are switched off when not in use, as they can account for almost half of a computer's energy use.

  • Turn off the lights on your desk, in the office, any display lights that don't need to be on. If you need them on at a certain time for security reasons, use a timer. According to the Carbon Trust, lighting the average office overnight wastes enough energy to heat water for 1,000 cups of coffee!

  • Turn off any Christmas decorations that light up. They may look pretty, but if you're not there to enjoy them there is no need to pay for them. It's also a good idea to turn these off when they're unattended to prevent fires which would devastate your business.

  • Cut down on the number of Christmas lights you use all together or consider LED lights, which use less energy and last longer.

  • If you're shutting down for Christmas and no staff will be in, turn heating down to the minimum it needs to be on for frost protection.

  • Don't waste water. Ensure that there are no dripping taps before you leave for the holidays.

While these best practice tips are here to help you out this Christmas, there's no reason why you can't start using them – and saving money – all year round.

For more information, read our tips for saving money through energy efficiency.


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