Where should a small business start?
Look at your bills and meter data to understand what you use and when, then tackle waste: heating and lighting schedules, out-of-hours equipment and easy fixes like LED lighting. These cost little and make every later investment smaller. See the quick wins guide.
Is an electric vehicle actually cheaper for my business?
Often, but not always. It depends on annual mileage, how and where you charge, the purchase or lease cost, tax treatment and residual values. Vehicles with high mileage that charge cheaply at base tend to benefit most. Compare total cost of ownership over the time you will keep the vehicle. See total cost of ownership.
Will a heat pump cost more to run than my gas boiler?
It depends on the ratio between your electricity and gas unit prices and how efficiently the heat pump runs. A well-designed system with a high seasonal efficiency can match or beat gas on running cost; a poorly designed one may not. Carbon emissions usually fall substantially either way. Test your own prices in the estimator.
Does a 100% renewable tariff mean my electricity is green?
Physically, everyone draws the same mix from the grid. A renewable tariff means your supplier has matched your use with certificates (REGOs) from renewable generation. If those certificates are bought separately from the power, the tariff may do little to increase renewable generation. Ask how the tariff is sourced. See green tariffs and REGOs.
Can I put solar panels on a building I rent?
Possibly, with the landlord's consent. The lease should be updated to cover ownership, maintenance, insurance and what happens at the end of your tenancy. Some landlords install panels and sell the power to tenants. Short remaining lease terms can make payback difficult.
Is battery storage worth it?
Only in the right circumstances: when you have surplus solar to store, a large difference between peak and off-peak prices, or a grid capacity constraint to manage. Batteries don't generate energy, so check the modelling carefully.
Are there grants available?
Support schemes for charge points, low-carbon heat and efficiency have existed in various forms, but they change often and vary across the UK nations. Check GOV.UK and your devolved government for what is open now. See funding & schemes.
What about hydrogen boilers?
For heating ordinary buildings, most independent analysis points to heat pumps being more efficient and cheaper. Hydrogen may play a role in some industrial processes, but its availability to businesses remains uncertain.
How do I measure my business carbon footprint?
Start with Scope 1 (fuels you burn, such as gas and diesel) and Scope 2 (electricity you buy). Multiply your annual consumption by the UK government's published conversion factors. The GHG Protocol is the standard framework; Scope 3 (supply chain) comes later.
Are you selling anything?
No. This is an information site. We don't sell equipment, tariffs or installation, and we don't take commissions from suppliers.
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