Why your small business should choose renewable energy
Energy is essential to keep your business’s wheels turning. But the type of energy you buy and how you use it can impact your whole business. From bills and sales, to employees and your reputation - energy matters.
Below, we explain why small businesses should consider switching to renewable energy, and look at the wider business and economics benefits of going green.
How can renewable energy be good for small businesses?
Choosing green energy can bring a lot of great benefits to your business. Take a look at these four equations to see how it can help you appeal to customers, suppliers and investors:
Lower carbon footprint = Higher appeal to customers
A recent report found that 72% of consumers consider sustainability when deciding what brand to buy. Similarly, an independent study revealed that four out of five people describe themselves as likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to environmental sustainability. In short, when you choose your business energy supply, and how you use it – you’re choosing how positively your audiences see you.
Lower carbon footprint = Higher appeal as a supplier
Unless you’re a regenerative farm growing and selling your own produce, you’re probably part of a supply chain. More and more organisations are on the journey to net zero and are expecting companies in their supply chain to be doing the same (read more on sustainability in your supply chain here). This means that demonstrating your sustainability credentials is a pre-requisite of doing business with these organisations. So, being able to evidence your carbon reduction and sustainability plans can increase your chances of success in winning tenders and supply contracts.
Lower carbon footprint = Higher appeal to investors
When exploring new opportunities, investors expect to be presented with sustainability strategies and plans, as well as financial forecasts. Research from an EY survey shows that 78% of investors actively seek out companies focussing on environmental, social, and governance activity, even if it hits short-term profits.
How is renewable business energy good for the environment and the economy?
Significant business growth can be achieved by attracting more customers, investors and suppliers through the use of renewable energy and other sustainable initiatives. But what does switching to green mean for the country?
Collectively, businesses are the largest consumer of energy in the UK, and the changes you make, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on the environment.
The UK is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, which is good for the planet, and the economy. In a 2019 report, the government said it expects to see the number of ‘green collar jobs’ grow to 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy grow to £170 billion annually by 2030.
How to switch to renewable business energy: what to look out for
Now that you’ve decided you’d like to switch your business to a renewable energy tariff, it’s important to find an energy supplier with the right credentials. That way, you can showcase your efforts to customers and suppliers with real conviction.
With SSE Energy Solutions, you can get 100% renewable electricity from SSE’s own UK wind farms and hydro plants.†
Our renewable electricity is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). And the renewable gas we provide to customers is backed by Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs) certification scheme or Biomethane Certificates (BMCs). Both are also independently verified and assured by EcoAct, an international climate consultancy and a CDP Accredited Provider.
If your business is ready for bigger changes, you might want to consider your own renewable energy generation through renewable sources like solar panels or ground source heat pumps. To help you introduce those measures, there are a number of green grants and loans available for businesses across the UK.
If you want to start reducing your carbon emissions and improving your reputation with renewable energy for businesses, get a quote online today.
Please note, SSE Energy Solutions has written this blog for information purposes only. We recommend speaking to your own business and financial advisors before taking any direct action that will impact your business.
† All our renewable electricity is sourced from wind and hydro assets wholly or partly owned by SSE Renewables, our sister company in the SSE Group. With SSE renewable electricity, you’ll continue to get your electricity through the national grid as normal, and we’ll match your consumption to REGOs from the SSE Group’s generating assets.
