Green or ecotourism is a booming growth market that has increased by 30% in recent years on a global scale. With guests driving the “green revolution” within the hotel sector, this is no fleeting trend but something that is very much here to stay. The good news is that guests are more than happy to pay a little more for green tourism. For many smaller, boutique hotels the big question is how can they cash in on this move towards ecotourism? Energy-efficient practices are something that every hotel can adopt in order to attract a completely new demographic, and these more efficient practices can help to reduce operating costs whilst boosting profits.   The benefits Those hotels that are willing to make the changes and embrace green tourism will find that there are a number of benefits available to them.   Reduced operational costs Without any change to the comfort or experience for guests, it is possible for a hotel to reduce its energy consumption by between 20 and 35%. Lower energy consumption means lower energy bills and operating costs and of course a reduced carbon footprint. Some of the ways of achieving this are: Changing lighting to LED Taking an energy audit to see where you can make improvements Researching your utility provider to ensure you have the best tariffs Asking guests to opt-out of daily housekeeping Covering pools when not in use to reduce heat loss Upgrading boilers, appliances and cooling systems to more efficient ones Installing insulation and green roofs Using motion and occupancy sensors in less used areas Meeting guest demand More and more potential guests are looking for eco-friendly accommodation, and they are willing to pay a little more for a hotel that has a positive impact on the environment. This can be used to your advantage to attract more customers. Getting in on the emerging sustainability trend now will help you make a name for yourself.   Improve the image of your hotel Using your website, social media or both to promote any green activities your hotel is undertaking can only be a good thing that will help to boost your brand. Green hotels can participate in various awards, and gain labels and recognition which they can display to help boost their visibility to eco-conscious travellers. This can also make them a more interesting option for companies who are looking to use more sustainable hotels for business purposes. If your social values mirror those of your staff, then this could also help with staff retention and this, in turn, could reduce the amount that you need to spend on hiring and training.   Reduced environmental damage The surrounding environment and location of your hotel will help to attract guests, so it is important to work to protect this. Using renewable energy is one of the easiest ways in which you can lessen your impact on the environment. When you make your hotel more energy efficient through renewable sources you can make the surrounding environment a healthier and happier place for everyone. For smaller hotels this may not be possible to do on their own, but it is possible to source renewable energy from utility companies.   If you want to find out more information, please visit our D-energi trading page here. For the latest energy tariffs, do get in touch with D-ENERGi for the expertise and experience. For more energy saving tips and advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your business premises, check out more of our D-ENERGi blogs.

Energy efficiency is a proven and profitable strategy for businesses to reduce costs, increase profits, and enhance their environmental impact. By implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies, businesses can lower their energy bills, improve business efficiency, and boost their bottom line.   Reduce Energy Bills and Operating Costs Energy is a significant expense for most businesses, accounting for a substantial portion of their operating costs. By adopting energy-efficient measures, businesses can directly reduce their energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills and improved cash flow. These savings can be reinvested in other areas of the business, such as growth initiatives, employee benefits, or research and development.  By keeping energy usage low, businesses can see a significant reduction in outgoings. One way to do this is to monitor usage closely by installing a smart meter for business. A business smart meter can be supplied by a business’ business energy supplier.   Enhance Efficiency and Productivity Energy efficiency goes beyond simply reducing energy costs; it also enhances operational efficiency and productivity. By optimising energy usage, businesses can improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and minimise waste. This can lead to increased production output, improved product quality, and a more streamlined supply chain.   Boost Profit and Financial Performance The combined impact of reduced energy costs and improved efficiency directly translates into enhanced financial performance. By implementing energy-efficient strategies, businesses can increase their profit margins, improve their return on investment, and enhance their overall financial health. Preparing the business for growth and a change in attitudes towards eco-conscious buying and decision-making.    Attract and Retain Top Talent Employees, especially millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly seeking out companies that are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency can make businesses more attractive to top talent, leading to a more engaged, productive, and innovative workforce.  Hiring the very best talent on the job market is a guaranteed way to see development within the business. Allowing the business to enjoy the benefits of enhanced performances.  Better work = better outcomes.    Enhance Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty Consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on environmental and social considerations. By adopting energy-efficient practices, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and foster long-term customer loyalty.   Reduce Regulatory Compliance Costs With increasing environmental regulations and carbon pricing initiatives, businesses are facing the risk of rising compliance costs. By proactively addressing business energy efficiency, businesses can reduce their emissions, minimise regulatory risks, and avoid potential fines and liabilities. As we head into an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, taking these steps now can help guarantee the longevity of a business for the future and avoid being penalised later down the line.    Increase Asset Value and Property Investments Energy-efficient buildings and facilities are often valued higher in the real estate market. By investing in energy-efficient upgrades, businesses can increase the value of their assets and improve their return on investment for property investments.   Gain a Competitive Advantage In a competitive business landscape, embracing energy efficiency can provide a significant edge. Businesses that adopt energy-efficient practices can differentiate themselves from their peers, attract environmentally conscious customers, and secure a competitive advantage in the marketplace.   Contribute to a Sustainable Future By reducing their energy consumption and environmental impact, businesses can play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future. By embracing energy efficiency, businesses can contribute to mitigating climate change, conserving resources, and protecting the environment for future generations. Energy efficiency is not just a cost-saving measure; it’s a strategic investment in the future of your business. By embracing energy-efficient practices, businesses can reduce costs, increase profits, enhance their environmental sustainability, and build a more resilient and competitive organisation for the long term.

As the world’s attitude towards sustainability and global warming shifts, there’s far greater concern and pressure placed on businesses to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. No matter the industry, businesses play a huge role in the way the population treats the planet, having a big impact on the environment. Businesses that opt to embrace sustainability and proactively prepare for a future that is carbon-neutral and more eco-conscious than ever before will gain a competitive advantage in their market and establish themselves as a leader in sustainability.   The importance of planning for an eco-conscious future  Ensuring your business is in a position to adjust and work towards a sustainable future is important for a number of reasons. Not just to help the environment, but to ensure the longevity of the business, products, and services, and maintain a reputation amongst consumers and other relevant stakeholders.    Address Environmental Challenges and Mitigate Risks:   The planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution. Businesses that fail to address these issues or adapt to a more sustainable future face increasing regulatory pressures, potential liabilities, and reputational damage. By embracing eco-conscious practices, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, mitigate risks associated with climate change and resource constraints, and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.   Enhance Brand Reputation and Customer Appeal: Consumers are increasingly making informed purchasing decisions based on environmental and social factors. Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability gain a competitive advantage by attracting environmentally conscious customers and building a strong brand reputation. Consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that align with their values, creating a loyal customer base and fostering long-term brand loyalty.   Reduce Operational Costs and Enhance Efficiency: Many eco-conscious practices also lead to cost savings and operational efficiency. Implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimising resource utilisation, and reducing waste can significantly lower energy bills, improve production processes, and minimise waste disposal costs. These savings can then be reinvested in the business, boosting profits and strengthening the financial position.   Attract and Retain Top Talent: Millennials and Gen Z, now the majority of the workforce, place a high value on working for companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. By prioritising eco-conscious practices, businesses can attract and retain top talent who share their values, creating a more engaged and productive workforce.   Comply with Regulatory Requirements and Avoid Liabilities: Governments worldwide are enacting stricter environmental regulations to address climate change and protect the environment. Businesses that fail to comply with these regulations face potential fines, penalties, and legal liabilities. By proactively adopting eco-conscious practices, businesses can avoid these risks, ensure compliance, and maintain a positive relationship with regulatory bodies.   Gain Market Entry and Competitive Advantage in Sustainable Sectors: As the demand for sustainable products and services grows, businesses that are early adopters of eco-conscious practices gain a competitive advantage in emerging sustainable markets. By establishing themselves as leaders in sustainability, businesses can attract new customers, secure lucrative partnerships, and expand their market share.   Enhance Community Relations and Support Local Initiatives: Engaging with local communities and supporting sustainable initiatives can strengthen a business’s reputation and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. Participating in community cleanups, donating to environmental organisations, and adopting eco-friendly practices within the community demonstrate a genuine commitment to social responsibility.   Diversify Revenue Streams and Explore New Business Opportunities: Sustainable practices can open up new revenue streams and business opportunities. Developing eco-friendly products, offering sustainable consulting services, or partnering with eco-conscious organisations can expand a business’s reach and tap into a growing market.   Strategies for a carbon-neutral future The following strategies provide best practices for helping to future-proof your business for a carbon neutral economy and the modern eco-conscious consumer.    Establish clear carbon reduction goals Conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment Implement energy-efficient technologies Adopt sustainable sourcing practices Optimise transportation and logistics Invest in renewable energy Implement carbon offset programs Engage employees in sustainability initiatives Promote transparency and stakeholder engagement Embrace innovation and technological advancements   By adopting these strategies, businesses can effectively prepare for a carbon-neutral economy, reduce their environmental impact, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The transition to a sustainable future presents both challenges and opportunities, and businesses that embrace sustainability will be well-positioned for long-term success.

Running a small business, whether you have your own cafe, boutique clothing store, repair shop, or florist, is not always easy. There’s lots to consider and plan for, and with a small team this can create a number of jobs for one or two people to juggle. One of the biggest challenges for small business owners is managing finances and keeping on top of this.  When it comes to managing business expenses like water, electricity, and gas, it is important to plan and prepare for increases and unexpected bills. Not only will this allow you to budget and avoid nasty surprises, you will be preventing these unexpected expenses from creating any damaging holes in the company wallet.   Why might you incur an unexpected expense?  Unexpected expenses can come from just about anything and anyone. Business expenses are guaranteed and are required to be paid in order to keep your business running. Although expenses like rent and business insurance are important, in this blog we are focusing on business utilities, which includes bills like energy and water.  Despite paying monthly for your business energy, it is not uncommon for business energy bills to rise and fall. The same can also be said for water bills. When your demand and usage for electricity, gas, and water increases, so too do your bills.  During uncertain times, such as a cost of living crisis or the global energy crisis that occurred between 2021-2023, energy costs can and will quickly change. Your business energy rates are therefore subject to change unexpectedly. Although business energy suppliers will give you some notice, market changes can happen overnight and may require a big increase to your monthly payments. Having some awareness of the risks that the market can pose on your expenses is important for ensuring you have some money put aside in case of such events.   Monitoring your small business energy charges  Monitoring your small business energy charges is important for a number of reasons: It can help you to identify areas where you can reduce your energy consumption, which can save you money on your bills. It can help you to identify any unusual spikes in your energy usage, which could be indicative of a problem with your equipment or infrastructure. It can help you to track your energy consumption over time, which can help you to set realistic energy efficiency targets. There are a number of ways to monitor your small business energy charges. One simple way is to keep track of your energy bills over time. This will give you a good idea of how much energy you are using and how much it is costing you. Another way to monitor your energy usage is to install a smart meter. Smart meters are devices that track your energy consumption in real time. They can be installed on your electricity and gas meters, and will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your energy usage by appliance or area of your business. This information can be particularly useful in helping you identify specific areas of your business where you may be able to cut down on energy usage and lower your energy costs overall.    Government support for small businesses While there are options for small businesses to help tackle unexpected costs, the UK government also offer a number of services and schemes to support small businesses. For example, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme which is currently running until April 2024. We have provided further information about applying for the scheme and the support offered on our blog.