As we’re well aware, we’re facing an energy crisis. Everyone is looking at their energy consumption and places where they can cut back. Business owners are no different. Reducing energy consumption can be a great way to reduce spending. It ensures that energy bills aren’t too greatly impacted by market fluctuations.
As a business owner, it might interest you to know if your business falls within a sector that consumes much energy. Finding yourself in that category can signal you need to rethink your energy consumption.
One way to determine your energy consumption is to conduct an energy audit. You’ll be able to identify areas where you can reduce your energy usage and save money. Implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in renewable energy sources can help reduce your business’s carbon footprint.
Data is gathered yearly to ascertain the top ten sectors that consume the most energy annually. Consider researching what consumes the most energy and how to combat that, if you work in any of these sectors. Visit an energy comparison website and find your sector to find industry-specific tips and information.
Commercial and Miscellaneous Services
This year, the commercial and miscellaneous services sector is at the top of the list. This term basically refers to every private business that offers any kind of professional service. Both small and large private businesses fall under this umbrella.
Examples of professional services businesses include law firms, accounting firms, consulting agencies, marketing agencies, and engineering firms. These businesses typically require specialised knowledge and expertise to provide their services to clients.
More often than not, these businesses require the use of the same machines and appliances that aren’t always as efficient as they could be. There are hundreds and thousands of these businesses in the UK, and they all contribute to the high energy usage in the sector.
To combat this, businesses should consider investing in energy-efficient equipment and appliances. These upgrades can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Additionally, implementing sustainable practices such as recycling and reducing waste can also help reduce the environmental impact of these businesses.
Public Administration
Second to commercial and miscellaneous services is public administration. Similar to commercial and various services, there is quite a lot of equipment and machinery involved that isn’t as efficient as it could and should be.
Public administration is a term that is used to refer to non-profits and departments that manage public policy and government administration. This sector doesn’t typically have departments dedicated to keeping energy consumption down and all equipment efficient.
These businesses and organisations use a lot of energy because they typically require multi-storey buildings and offices. Each floor will use the same inefficient equipment; printers, copiers, computers, etc.
On top of that, other utility uses such as bathrooms, heating, cooling, and lighting also factor into the energy consumption. This together contributes to the amount of energy used in this sector.
Manufacturing and Industrial Services
This sector comes in third on the list. When the first two sectors on the list are excluded from the equation, this sector covers the country’s other industrial and manufacturing services.
It is a major contributor to the economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue. This sector encompasses various industries, such as textiles, chemicals, machinery, and food processing.
These companies and businesses make various products, from food to most equipment used in the previous sectors. This sector includes both large and small businesses, so the volume of contributors to this sector pushes it to number three.
The manufacturing sector is crucial to the economy. It provides employment opportunities and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. However, it also faces challenges such as automation and outsourcing, possibly leading to job losses and affecting local economies.
Final thoughts
It might not seem worth implementing changes if you find yourself in these sectors. This is particularly true if you don’t have the money to implement significant changes. However, even small changes can result in big changes and a considerable reduction in energy consumption.
The first step is to review your current energy contracts and update them as necessary so you may receive the best possible rates. The sectors listed have high annual consumption for a reason; it’s best to take measures to ensure you’re contributing as little as possible.
Consider implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. This is beneficial for the environment and can lead to lucrative savings in the long run.
