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Preparing for your energy saving consultation

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  • Preparing for your energy saving consultation

We’re here to give you free, impartial and expert advice on how to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

The first step is a 30-45 minute energy-saving consultation with your dedicated Business Energy Advisor. The call is your chance to tell us about your business and discuss energy saving opportunities and funding options.

We can cover everything from lighting and heating to equipment upgrades and micro-renewables. Or, if you have particular projects already in mind, we can focus on them. The time is yours.

We’ve provided some guidance on the areas we can advise you on and the things you can do to prepare below.

Taking some time to prepare now will help you get the most out of our support – so you can make the right upgrades and start saving as quickly as possible.  

From lighting and heating to equipment upgrades and renewables, we're here to help:

  • Lighting uses a lot of electricity. For some workplaces, such as offices and shops, it can account for as much half of total electricity bills.

    So, if you’re looking to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, lighting is a great place to start. Particularly if you haven’t already taken advantage of the latest advancements in lighting technologies.

     

    • Check how many lights you have and if they have all been upgraded to LEDs. (Take some photos for your advisor if you’re not sure.)

     

     

    • Get hold of a recent energy bill showing your current electricity tariff.

     

    • If you are already speaking to suppliers, have their quotations to hand.

  • Heating in our workplaces is critical, but is also a big expense.  If you’ve got an ageing boiler we may be able to help you stay warm for less.

     

    • Gather 12 months of heating fuel bills.

     

    • Note the type and age of your heating system — if unsure, take a photo.

     

    • If you can access your boiler take a note of it’s make, model and power rating (a picture of its information plate and the Gas Council number is handy).

     

    • If you are already speaking to suppliers, have their quotations to hand.

     

    Further reading

    You may find it helpful to read our quick guides on these low carbon heating systems:

    Heat pumps

    Biomass heating

    Radiant heating

  • If your premises aren’t well insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat, and money, without even realising. It may be the time to look at the levels of insulation you have and whether you need to upgrade.

     

    • Gather 12 months of heating fuel bills.

     

    • Check records to see if your premises have been insulated.

     

    • Take a note of the length and height of external walls.

     

    • Take a note of how many windows and doors you have, their sizes and current condition (are they single, double, or triple glazed?) — take photos if unsure.

     

    • If you are already speaking to suppliers, have their quotations to hand.

     

    Further reading

    You may find these quick guides and webinars helpful:

    Insulation – a quick guide

    Window upgrades  – webinar recording

  • Did your business feel the pain of recent energy price hikes? Are you wondering what you can do to be more resilient to price volatility in the energy markets in the future?

    Have you considered generating your own power?

    It’s a great time to investigate generating your own low cost, low carbon energy to power your business and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers.

     

    • 12 months of electricity bills or annual statement.

     

    • Roof orientation and shading (for solar PV assessments).

     

    • Estimated wind speed and topography (for wind turbine assessments).

     

    • If you are already speaking to suppliers, have their quotations to hand.

     

    Further reading

    You may find these quick guides and webinars helpful:

    Solar PV – a quick guide and webinar recording

    Wind turbines – webinar recording

    Micro hydro – webinar recording

  • Refrigeration, machinery, and other equipment – they all use energy. Could you upgrade to more modern, energy efficient models?

     

     

    • 12 months of energy bills.

     

    • Current quotes or supplier reports.

Other ways to prepare:

  • Check you can access energy bills – for many projects, having access to 12 months of energy bills helps us identify savings opportunities more accurately.

    Sometimes getting a hold of bills can take some time, so it’s worth checking that you will be able to access them if and when needed.

    Also think about what types of fuels you are using and how much you are spending on each fuel type.

  • Many energy-saving upgrades are eligible for funding from the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme.

    It pays to understand who and what is eligible for support. While your Business Energy Advisor can help you understand the funding better, you’ll find that having a read of this summary information and these FAQs is helpful.

    • If you rent your premises, check what upgrades you are allowed to make with your landlord.

     

    • Consider who else you need information from — ideally, those who understand your energy use, site layout, opening times and growth plans. You’ll be able to invite them to your energy saving consultation.

     

    • Check whether you’re in a listed building or conservation area, as this may affect sone of your options.