Top Tips

Find out how much energy you use (when, where and for what), for example:

• Do an energy audit. Some schemes such as Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme provide energy assessments as part of their funding.
• Install smart meters, or use software to get more detailed energy use data.
• Ask your landlord or host venues what information they can provide.
• Ask generator suppliers to monitor power use and efficiency during events

‍Set up regular energy use monitoring.

‍Save energy, for example:

• Introduce a switch-off procedure for lighting, equipment, etc.
• Adjust controls and settings for heating, cooling, lighting, etc. according to use, occupancy and opening hours.
• Insulate e.g. make sure boilers, storage tanks, roofs and floors are well-insulated, draught-proof windows and doors, install triple glazing.
• Install energy-efficient lighting e.g. LEDs and systems e.g. timers, sensors.
• Purchase energy-efficient equipment when replacing old equipment.
• Do pre-production planning for power demand to ensure generators are sized correctly.
• Make more use of natural daylight and ventilation.
• Install solar shading to reduce heat gain during the summer.

Replace fossil fuel energy sources with low or zero carbon energy sources, for example:

• Procure energy on a green tariff or from a 100% green energy supplier.
• Install on-site renewable energy e.g. heat pumps, solar panels.
• Look into options for connecting to district or community energy schemes.
• Plug into mains electricity, instead of using generators for outdoor events.
• Hire portable low or zero carbon energy sources e.g. pedal-powered screens, generators which run on waste vegetable oil, solar-charged battery storage.

Choose and work with landlords, venues etc. committed to good energy practice and open to collaboration.

Provide employees with information about energy efficiency when working from home and options and schemes on home energy efficiency and renewable energy.