How to Be a More Sustainable Business

The global energy landscape continues to evolve as countries and organisations work together towards a more sustainable future. Progress in the transition to low-carbon energy systems is accelerating, but improving energy efficiency remains one of the most important areas of action.

Renewable electricity capacity is expected to increase by almost 4,600 GW between 2025 and 2030, putting renewables on track to become the largest global source of power by early 2026. Solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment and electric vehicle adoption are also advancing broadly in line with net-zero scenarios.

However, some challenges remain. Global energy efficiency improvements reached only 1.8% in 2025, which is still well below the 4% annual improvement needed to meet international climate targets. In addition, around 730 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, highlighting the ongoing need for continued investment in energy infrastructure and sustainable development.

Energy efficiency is often closely linked to the adoption of new technologies, which requires investment from both individuals and businesses. Factors such as the slower adoption of energy-efficient buildings, equipment, and vehicles can significantly impact overall progress.

While governments and global organisations play a crucial role in driving the energy transition, businesses also have an important part to play in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

Improving energy efficiency in the years ahead

Organisations can make a meaningful contribution through a range of actions, but government leadership is also essential to accelerate the transition toward energy efficiency and low-carbon energy systems.

Buildings alone account for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions, so continued investment in energy-efficient buildings, retrofitting existing properties and improving heating systems will play an important role in reducing emissions.

Encouraging renewable energy, adopting new heating technologies and improving building efficiency will not only reduce environmental impact but also help organisations reduce energy costs over time.

What businesses can do

If your organisation is required to comply with SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) as part of its annual reporting, you should already have an energy efficiency strategy in place.

However, improving sustainability is not just the responsibility of large organisations. Businesses of all sizes can take meaningful steps to reduce their environmental impact — and many of these steps also bring significant financial benefits.

Identify “green” team leaders

While senior leadership should guide the company’s sustainability strategy, it can be highly effective to identify team members who can champion sustainability initiatives within their own departments.

Encouraging employees to take ownership of sustainability initiatives can help embed energy efficiency into everyday operations.

Some organisations even introduce friendly internal competitions between departments — encouraging teams to reduce waste, improve recycling, and minimise unnecessary energy use.

Small behavioural changes across a workforce can have a significant cumulative impact over time.

Assess your waste

Waste management is an important part of any energy efficiency and sustainability strategy.

Businesses should ensure clear recycling protocols are in place and that employees have easy access to appropriate recycling facilities.

Working closely with procurement teams and suppliers can also help organisations make more sustainable purchasing decisions. This might include introducing reusable products in the workplace, reducing packaging waste or prioritising suppliers with strong environmental credentials.

In addition, businesses can reduce their environmental impact by embracing digital collaboration tools, reducing unnecessary travel and improving operational efficiency wherever possible.

Appoint an energy efficiency consultant

Finally, one of the most effective ways to ensure sustainability remains at the heart of your organisation’s strategy is to work with an experienced energy efficiency consultant.

At Integral Energy, we work with organisations of all sizes to identify opportunities for energy savings, support sustainability initiatives and help businesses improve their overall energy efficiency.

By combining technical expertise with financial insight, we help organisations uncover practical ways to reduce energy consumption, lower costs and improve environmental performance.

Ready to get started? Contact Integral Energy today to learn how we can support your organisation’s sustainability journey.