News and Blogs

Read our articles on energy efficiency and reducing energy use in the workplace.

How to find financial support for energy efficiency upgrades

Please note: If you decide to apply to a funder for a grant or loan always check with the specific website regularly for any changes to criteria, deadlines or for any additional advice or information that has been posted. This page was last updated in February 2023. Embarking on an energy efficiency project can be costly,…

Read now >

Energy Efficiency Quick Tips for GP Practices

Understanding your heating controls Heating controls are essential for achieving energy efficiency in buildings. By understanding how these controls work, you can avoid wasting energy in unoccupied spaces or having competing heating and cooling running at the same time. Manuals for heating controls can be found on a manufacturer’s website. Ensure staff know which of…

Read now >

Support for businesses and organisations in Oxford City – Build Back Better (Ended December 2022)

This support offer has come to end as of December 2022. As energy prices skyrocket for businesses, we’ve gained new funding to support organisations in Oxford City. If you have a building in Oxford City and want fully funded energy efficiency support, you should get in touch. Our experienced team can provide energy assessments and…

Read now >

NatWest boss to co-chair new energy efficiency taskforce

The Government will today formally launch its new energy efficiency taskforce and name NatWest boss Alison Rose as its co-chair alongside energy security and net zero minister Lord Callanan. The task force will devise a plan to cut energy consumption by 15% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels across domestic and commercial buildings and industrial…

Read now >

Energy intensive industries given £12 million boost to cut emissions and costs

UK government announces further funding to help businesses clean up industrial processes and improve energy efficiency. You might also like…

Read now >

Month

Article topics

The UK will announce plans to commit by law to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035

The UK government is to set in law the world’s most ambitious climate change target, cutting emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. This is in line with the most recent recommendation from the Climate Change Committee, and will be part of the Sixth Carbon Budget to be announced in the run up…

Read now >

We need to get the next generation excited about green jobs

Hundreds of thousands of new job roles are needed if we are to achieve a clean energy transition and meet net zero targets in the UK. Dina Potter of the National Grid believes that investing in young people is key to this, and that we now need to ensure that young people understand the options…

Read now >

Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for commercial landlords: what do businesses need to do with legislation coming into force

From April 2018 all commercial properties must be an EPC rating E or above if they are being leased for the first time or re-leased to a new tenant. From April 2023 this applies to all properties, whether or not they have a new lease. Here's a guide for commercial landlords.

Read now >

Southern Western Railway have slashed their energy use by 21% by switching to LED lights

South Western Railway have reduced their energy consumption as a company by a huge 21%, by installing over 16,000 LED light fittings across their properties – offices, railway stations, depots and more. The train company committed to reducing their energy consumption by 41% by 2024. The reduction from swapping to LED lighting has already gone…

Read now >

Why small businesses need to address their environmental impact too

Businesses are responsible for 18% of total carbon emissions in the UK, so they're a crucial part of the puzzle to respond to climate change. And that includes smaller businesses too.

Read now >

Sign up to receive our monthly Sparks newsletter

Every month we send out an email newsletter to our subscribers, containing all the latest from our Sparks file as well as service updates and news from the world of energy efficiency.

Subscribe now

More from our Sparks file

How to de-carbonise your organisation’s heating bills

Heating usually accounts for up to 50% of the energy use in a building, so it’s a significant area to consider when exploring energy efficiency improvements. In this webinar Moira Dorey and Michael Esvelt (both part of the Environmental Information Exchange team at Oxford Brookes University) explored different ways to de-carbonise heating within the premises…

Watch the replay >

How energy efficiency improved guest comfort at The Abbey

The Abbey – Business type: retreat centre – Building age: 13th century– Primary goal: improve comfort for guests– Measures: loft insulation, draught-proofing, thermal window blinds, LED lighting. The Abbey in Sutton Courtenay is a retreat centre with live-in residents as well as a guesthouse, all housed in premises which date from the 13th Century when…

Watch the case study >

Upcoming event: school energy improvements – measures & funding options (inc. Salix)

The event in brief Topic: Energy improvements for schools: typical measures, funding options (inc. Salix), and sharing Windmill Primary School’s experienceDate: Wednesday 26 May 2021Time: 8.30-9.30amLink to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkd-itqzMrE9BY8cQqsHf4z4GvFNX1FRcH More details Oxfordshire’s buildings are old, inefficient, and constantly wasting energy. In fact, in the UK buildings are responsible for 29% of total carbon emissions– and…

Watch the replay >

Energy improvements for manufacturing businesses [webinar recording]

Manufacturing businesses typically waste significant amounts of energy – but there are ways to reduce this, cutting carbon emissions and bills. Join us to explore energy improvements in manufacturing, and gain an insight into applying for an Energy Pioneer Award.

Watch the replay >