Energy efficiency tips for business

Reducing energy use is one of the simplest ways to improve your bottom line while cutting emissions. Every unit of energy you don’t use is one you don’t have to pay for – or account for in your carbon footprint. Simply put, the cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use.

The good news is that improving efficiency doesn’t always mean major investment. Savings can come from paying closer attention to how energy is used day to day, adjusting heating schedules, maintaining equipment properly, fixing small issues early and making sure employees understand their role in maintaining and improving your business’s energy performance.

Check out our energy efficiency tips below.

Heating, air conditioning and ventilation

Focusing on the building energy use, centres on the building fabric and on equipment control and maintenance can provide significant energy savings.

Address heat loss first. Poor insulation in roofs, walls and service openings wastes energy. Upgrading insulation delivers lasting reductions in demand and improved comfort. Where larger upgrades aren’t feasible, targeted draught-proofing, such as sealing gaps around doors, windows and service areas, offers a practical low-cost improvement.
Maintain systems properly. Heating and cooling equipment that isn’t regularly serviced tends to use more energy and perform less reliably.
Run systems only when needed. Heating and cooling should operate only in occupied spaces and during working hours. Reviewing schedules and zoning can quickly cut unnecessary consumption.
Set temperatures carefully. Even small adjustments to setpoints can reduce energy use over time, especially in larger buildings.
Don’t overlook behaviour. Clear shutdown routines, sensible defaults and staff awareness can prevent energy being used when it isn’t needed.

Get started with SEAI’s set-by-step advice for improving energy efficiency in your business.

Lighting systems

Lighting can be a significant part of electricity use in many workplaces, but it’s also one of the easiest areas to improve.

Upgrade to LED lighting where possible. LEDs use much less electricity and last far longer than older lighting technologies.
Use lighting only where it’s needed. Occupancy sensors, timers and zoning help prevent lights running in empty or low-use areas.
Make the most of daylight. Good layout and controls can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Keep fittings clean and maintained. Dust and ageing components reduce light output and efficiency.
Match lighting levels to the task. Avoid over-lighting and use dimming or controls where appropriate.

To dig deeper, check out SEAI’s Energy Efficient LED Guide for Business.

Office equipment

Computers, monitors, printers and other devices can quietly account for a share of electricity use.

Use power-management settings. Enable sleep or hibernation modes when equipment is inactive and shut devices down fully overnight.
Avoid unnecessary standby use. Standby still draws power, so if equipment isn’t needed, switch it off properly.
Choose efficient replacements. When buying new equipment, check the EU A–G energy label and compare actual consumption figures.

Transport and fleets

Energy use extends beyond the building, particularly where vehicles are part of operations.

Reduce unnecessary journeys. Improve routing and planning to minimise mileage.
Match vehicles to operational needs. Using the right vehicle size improves efficiency.
Consider electrification where suitable. Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and typically use energy more efficiently than conventional engines, providing cost savings for your business.

Find out more about EV charging options for your business fleet.

Motors and drives

Electric motors power many building and industrial systems, from fans and pumps to conveyors and compressors, and they often account for a large share of electricity use.

Switch motors off when not needed and use clear operating schedules to avoid unnecessary running hours.
Keep motors clean, well-maintained and properly aligned to prevent overheating and inefficiency.
Match motor size and output to the task. Oversized motors or equipment running continuously at full capacity can waste energy.
Consider high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) when replacing or upgrading equipment.

Compressed air systems

Compressed air is useful but energy-intensive to produce, and waste is common.

Use compressed air only where essential. In some applications, alternatives such as blowers or fans use less energy.
Switch compressors off when not required. Even unloaded machines can draw significant power.
Find and fix leaks promptly. Leaks are one of the most common sources of wasted energy.
Run systems at the lowest effective pressure and isolate unused sections where possible.
Consider heat recovery, as compressors generate waste heat that may be reused elsewhere.

Get lots more tips on compressed air energy efficiency.

Refrigeration systems

Refrigeration often operates continuously, so good housekeeping and maintenance are essential.

Set temperatures only as low as required and keep equipment away from heat sources.
Let air circulate: Keep condensers, evaporators and airflow paths clean and unobstructed.
Maintenance and servicing are key: Maintain door seals, strip curtains and pipe insulation to prevent cooling losses. Service systems regularly and keep controls properly calibrated.
Choose appropriately sized modern systems when upgrading equipment.

Learn more with this guide to improve the energy efficiency of your chillers and refrigeration systems.

Understanding where energy is really going

An energy audit provides a structured view of how energy is used and where savings are most achievable. What’s more, many SME businesses are eligible for a €2,000 voucher from SEAI towards the cost of a professional energy audit.

A good energy audit will highlight inefficiencies and helps prioritise improvements based on cost and impact. It can also identify where renewable technologies like solar PV could complement efficiency measures.

Find out more about SSE Airtricity's Energy Audit Service or get in touch with us on 0818 812144 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5.