Powering smarter workspaces: energy efficiency tips for office-based SMEs
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), energy efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s about creating smarter, more sustainable workplaces. Office buildings, whether modern or traditional, offer a range of opportunities to reduce energy use without compromising comfort or productivity. Here’s how offices can take practical steps to boost efficiency and lower their energy bills.
Heating: Small Changes, Big Savings
Heating can account for up to 40% of an office’s energy costs1. But with a few simple adjustments, businesses operating in office buildings can cut these costs by up to a third1:
- Listen to your team: Encourage staff to report hot or cold spots. This feedback can help identify maintenance issues or inefficient heating zones.
- Set smart temperatures:* Aim for 19–20ºC in winter1, and bear in mind, internal heat from equipment and lighting often raises the temperature naturally.
- Use timers and controls: Heating should match working hours. Inexpensive time controls can automatically switch systems off after hours.
- Maintain your boiler: A well-serviced boiler could save up to 10% annually1. Don’t forget to insulate pipes and tanks for extra savings.
- Upgrade controls: Consider installing modern heating controls like compensators or optimum start controllers to fine-tune heating based on weather and occupancy.
Lighting: Bright Ideas for Efficiency
Lighting is essential, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. Switching to energy-efficient bulbs, using motion sensors in low-traffic areas, and encouraging staff to turn off lights when not needed can all make a difference. For more detailed guidance, SMEs can explore dedicated lighting efficiency resources from the Carbon Trust here.
Ventilation & Air Conditioning: Keep It Fresh, Not Wasteful
Ventilation and air conditioning can be silent energy drains. To optimise:
- Use natural ventilation where possible – open windows and doors to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
- Try night cooling: let in cooler air overnight to reduce morning air conditioning needs.
- Maintain systems annually – clean fans and ducts could cut energy use by up to 60%1.
- Install Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to adjust fan speeds based on real-time needs.
Office Equipment: Power Down to Save
Office equipment accounts for around 15% of energy use1. Reduce this by:
- Powering down PCs, printers, and copiers when not in use.
- Using timers on communal equipment.
- Choosing ENERGY STAR-rated devices and avoiding over-specification.
- Positioning heat-generating equipment in cooler, well-ventilated areas.
Building Fabric: Insulate to Accumulate
Two-thirds of heat loss in offices happens through walls, floors, and ceilings1. During refurbishments or system upgrades, consider:
- Insulating roofs and cavity walls.
- Installing triple glazing on exposed sides.
- Sealing gaps and addressing damp promptly.
- Using blinds or external shading to reduce solar glare and overheating.
Smart Metering: Let Data Drive Decisions
Installing smart meters and even a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can help track office energy use in near real time, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions. These systems could reduce total energy costs by 10% or more1.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Energy efficiency doesn’t require a complete revamp. By making small, strategic adjustments, SMEs could unlock meaningful savings, improve workplace comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Start with what’s manageable, and watch the benefits grow.
For more practical advice on how to reduce your emissions and save on your energy costs, download our guide created in partnership with the Carbon Trust.
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The information in this blog is based on resources and guidance from the Carbon Trust. Accurate as of April 2026. For more information, visit the Carbon Trust’s website at carbontrust.com