Smart energy, smart savings

We speak to Claire Maugham, Director of Policy and Communications at Smart Energy GB about why getting a smart meter is the first step to transforming energy use for your construction business.

All across the country, the way we buy and manage energy is changing. As we build a modern energy infrastructure that’s fit for Britain’s smarter, greener future, there has never been a better time for small businesses in the construction industry to get involved.

According to government’s Potential of Smart Technologies in SMEs report, microbusinesses and small businesses could save £358M and almost £4Bn respectively per year by installing energy efficiency measures. Now is the time to take control of energy use in your construction business.

You may already know that smart meters are available for every household in Britain, but did you know that many small businesses can also upgrade to the new, digital meters? You can get a smart meter for your business from your energy supplier.

For electrical, plumbing, contractor and small trades businesses, energy efficiency can be a lot easier to understand and implement with a smart meter. Adopting small changes in the workplace can open up new benefits that add up over time, from lower bills to more energy efficient tools and equipment.

Sometimes the hardest part about tackling your energy bills and taking measures to begin saving energy, is knowing where to start. The first step to saving on energy costs and improving your business policy on sustainability is understanding your energy use. That’s where smart meters come in.

How smart meters can help your business

With a smart meter, you will get accurate bills – no more estimates. Smart meters send automatic meter readings to your energy supplier and show you exactly how much energy you’re using, and what it’s costing you in pounds and pence, in near real time.

Smart meters allow you to keep track of your energy costs, helping you to budget, manage cash flow and make a real difference to the bottom line.

With construction making up around 18 per cent of all small to medium enterprises in the UK[1], smart meters, if adopted by all, could save the sector £10M a year on energy usage.

Another way in which you can prompt energy saving in the workplace, is by encouraging your employees to also get a smart meter installed. In August, Smart Energy GB published the employers’ guide to smart meters and energy efficiency at home and at work. This details the benefits of employee awareness of energy consumption in the home, and how this can consequently translate towards controlled energy use in the workplace.

Smart Energy GB has worked with the Carbon Trust on some energy saving tips specifically for small businesses in the construction industry, detailed below. By making use of available guidance and upgrading to a smart meter, you’ll be able to track your progress as you go along, helping you to improve your business outgoings.

Smart meter installations normally take around two hours and your energy supplier will work with you to try to find a time that’s convenient for both parties. Many businesses can get their smart meter at no additional cost; others may need to pay a small charge for the installation or access to data. Your supplier will tell you about any charges up front.

If your business has fewer than ten employees – or their full-time equivalent – you may be eligible to upgrade to a smart meter. Contact your energy supplier today about arranging your installation.

Dr Paul Swift from the Carbon Trust gives his tips on how construction firms can get smart about energy.

 

• Make smart plans: Be ready to advise clients on how to reduce their future energy bills, through options such as LED lighting or choice of building materials. Get smart meters installed in new builds.
• Look after your tools: Use tools according to guidelines and only run them when needed. Badly maintained equipment uses more energy and is more likely to fail, so get them regularly PAT-tested and clean filters and air intakes.
• Energy management: Install controls that allow you to turn off site areas not in use. Ensure any damaged cables or unused connections are removed. If you need a generator, size correctly to prevent wasting money on fuel.
• Understand your energy consumption: Getting a smart meter installed on your business premises helps track energy costs and budget spend. Use your smart meter to identify patterns, find unexpected spikes and encourage energy saving both on and off site.
• Scheduling: Plan to use equipment in one run, rather than a series of bursts. Avoid using electricity or gas to dry concrete, plaster and mortar by completing the work early and allowing to dry naturally. Get a temporary connection to the electricity grid as soon as possible!
• Drive smart: We think of electricity and gas, but construction firms can also reduce energy wasted by vehicle fuel consumption. Service them regularly, only load essential equipment, test tire pressure and avoid idling, sudden acceleration and braking.

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