How to Go Green in Retail

Retailers face a constant battle to keep costs under control. And as the environment becomes an increasingly salient issue, this is amplifying pressure on retailers throughout the UK to go greener. However, with the never-ending flow of new stock, customers and waste, knowing where to start can be difficult.

Whether you’re a major supermarket or department store, or a high street shop with rising overheads, we’ve got some tips to help you improve the energy efficiency of your store.

Explore Green Energy Sources

For large premises with significant roof space, you may wish to consider options such as solar panels. This will put you on a path to self-sufficiency, meaning you can reduce costs whilst also boosting public perception of your business.

Where renewable energy sources aren’t possible, another option is energy procurement. By negotiating rates with a green energy supplier, you can secure a more sustainable future for your business, whilst continuing to receive gas and electricity as normal. For small to medium businesses, an energy consultant can secure lower rates on your behalf.

Make Time for Energy Monitoring

However, perhaps the best way to tackle rising costs and carbon emissions in your business is energy monitoring. You can’t manage your gas and electricity consumption if you don’t know where the major drains in your business are.

Energy monitoring systems can help you keep track of your usage, to pinpoint where improvements can be made. The results can be surprising, bringing hidden costs into the spotlight. When you’re aware of these, it’s easy to implement changes that will tackle the problem.

Invest in Intelligent Lighting

You may think twice before turning on the heating, but you probably don’t pay much attention to your lighting. And yet, in a retail environment, getting your lighting right is essential. Whilst you want to display your products in the best possible light, this can be a real vortex for your energy costs.

Intelligent lighting takes advantage of natural light, ensuring that you get the perfect level of lighting for the time of day in your store. So you can use only as much energy as you need to create an attractive, functional retail space. Combining intelligent lighting systems with efficient LED lamps could cut your bills (and emissions) by up to a staggering 90%.

Choose Your Suppliers Wisely

If you’re serious about going green, assess the state of your suppliers too. Your retail space may be incredibly efficient, but if the products, packaging and furniture you buy aren’t sustainable, your efforts will have little impact on the environment. Nowadays, many green suppliers can at least match the prices of their competitors, so do your research to partner with brands that have the image you seek.

Improving the energy efficiency of your store may seem like a burden at first, but commit to going green and the long-term benefits can be huge. From boosting public perception of your brand to cutting your energy costs and business expenses, follow these tips to bring your energy consumption under control.

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