Becoming an energy champion – what you (and the government) can do about it

As citizens of planet earth, we are making the move to running our households more sustainability and efficiently; from filling our “green bins” with cardboard packaging, switching to modern low-wattage lightbulbs, and even rolling out an extra layer of loft insulation.

Research shows we want the same in our businesses but this is easier said than done – particularly without help.

The Federation of Small Businesses has revealed that 27% of firms surveyed believe a low-carbon economy presents more opportunities than threats.

But while bins are supplied by the council, and local government schemes have supplied us with bulbs and insulation, we need more to help to make businesses more energy efficient.

“Many small businesses are willing and capable of becoming more energy efficient, and even generating energy,” FSB chairman Mike Cherry noted. “With the right support, they can play a critical role in helping the UK reach its green targets and shore up supply.”

So what can the government do?

Well, a move that is always popular and gets the pennies flowing is to use tax reliefs to encourage energy-saving spending; some capital allowances do exist but, predictably, not many people know about them.

The government should undertake a review of the current landscape for all subsidies and incentives, and move towards simple and straightforward benefits for small businesses – so they are not distracted too much from the day job.

The setup of a one-stop shop for energy-efficient products and services would also be welcome. Again, SMEs need their choices and options made easy, straightforward and transparent.

Waiting around for the government to act further on this may test your patience. But you can take your own actions straight away.

Having looked at the various guides and tips available online, here are some of our favourite ideas:

• Lighting – We are all aware of energy-saving lightbulbs, but if you operate in a sizeable space with intermittent usage, consider motion-sensitive lighting. Even opening blinds in the summer can encourage you to switch off those lights.

• Microgeneration – AKA solar panels, some 12% of those surveyed by the FSB are using these to generate electricity.

• Switch off computers overnight – This isn’t just a “big business” problem. Even if you don’t operate many computers, saving £35 a year for each monitor is not to be sniffed at.

• Kitchen efficiency – Kettles are still a sign of a relaxed office – and we will never turn down a cuppa - but only boil the water you need. Also, older fridges, boilers and even your computers tend to be much less energy-efficient than newer models.

• Printing – An oldie but a goodie, paper is not very environmentally friendly – nor is it friendly on your overhead costs. Cut down on paper, turn off that loud whirring printer, and save money.

Content on this page is paid for and provided by Kia Fleet, sponsor of the Guardian Small Business Network Accessing Expertise hub.