Using Less Stuff

11/11/2022

When does your business aim to become carbon net zero?

Using a carbon calculator is a great first step in identifying how far away you are from your environmental goals.

Click here to find out more:

Three quarters of UK SMEs are worried about the long-term impact of the rising cost of living according to a 2022 survey and this is not surprising. In the UK, the energy price cap has risen by a whopping 54% this year, putting us all under pressure to step up and afford the steep prices of gas, ele...

27/10/2022

https://usinglessstuff.com/energy-saving-story-for-half-term-the-importance-of-metering/

A simple, intuitive way to save on energy bills and being more sustainable.

Metering!

Not long ago I was walking around a school with the maintenance manager two days after the school finished for half term. Whilst walking around discussing an upcoming project we were working with them on,

01/09/2022

As schools prepare to welcome students back into the classroom after a summer of fun, we wanted to share some cost-effective, quick and easy tips to help classrooms become more sustainable.

🖍️ Recycle craft materials e.g paper and plastic waste to create artistic masterpieces!

📝 Encourage students to use both sides of the paper to reduce paper waste

🖥️ Rather than purchasing brand new IT equipment, shop second hand for a refurbished model

💡 Make sure to switch off lights and any electronic equipment when not in use, particularly during classroom breaks and at the end of the day

✏️ Unlike pens, pencils don’t use plastic so are a more sustainable option for writing

25/08/2022

What are the benefits of using our FREE carbon footprint calculator?

🌍 Understanding your current carbon footprint

🌍 Advice from our team on how to start reducing your current footprint

🌍 Cost savings for your business by reducing your carbon footprint

https://usinglessstuff.com/carbon-footprint-calculator/

23/08/2022

Earlier last month, the Government introduced the Energy Security Bill which aims to deliver a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy system.

The record rise in global energy prices and our reliance on fuel from overseas has led to a huge increase in the cost of living and running of businesses and schools in the UK, so committing to a greener, more affordable future is vital.

Our MD Nigel recent wrote an article on the Bill and how it could help your school or business. Take a read here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-energy-security-bill-how-help-your-school-nigel/

23/08/2022

Dangers of going into a basket for energy purchasing.

Energy baskets are designed to pool tradable volume with other companies/schools to achieve better buying power. But right now, during one of the worst energy pricing crises in decades it's imperative you approach contract renewal with caution.

We have heard 3 or 4 stories lately about going into baskets and becoming locked into contracts which are much higher than expected (up to 90p per kWh) and unfortunately in some cases if you want to get out of these, they usually come with large financial penalties.

Some of our clients have been looking into alternative 12-month flexible contracts, It may be worth considering these flexible contracts to get through the worst of this energy crisis.

Has anyone else had experience of this? We are keen to hear from you and how you mitigated the situation.

If you are worried about renewing your upcoming energy contracts and want some advice or just chat about it then give us a call on 01491637377, alternatively drop us an email at [email protected]

https://www.thecostreductioncompany.co.uk/blog/beware-of-energy-baskets-in-the-current-crisis/

22/08/2022

How small changes can make a big difference.

https://usinglessstuff.com/uk-drought-save-water-save-our-planet

19/08/2022

Our team are thrilled with the progress being made at Queen Anne’s School with the installation of solar panels having begun on the 9th August. 🔅

Queen Anne’s is a school that was founded in 1894, and in 2019 celebrated its 125th anniversary. As with all buildings this age the facilities needed an upgrade when we started work with the school. The aim was to help Queen Anne’s to develop ways in which it can reduce costs and save money in areas such as lighting, heating and waste.

In response to the current energy crisis, the decision was made to bring the installation of solar panels forward. So far over 100 400w panels have been installed with a plan to have achieved payback of investment in under five years! 🌱

Read more about this project here: https://www.thecostreductioncompany.co.uk/case-studies/

15/08/2022

It’s Monday which means a fresh new week to truly make a positive change.

Here’s one business making a difference by implementing a solar energy system that can take it on a pathway to carbon net zero.

Thanks to Powercor for sharing this one.👏

11/08/2022

Let there be light💡

We recently collaborated with Powercor to provide a new Chapel lighting upgrade to a college in Weybridge.

3D printed lights were added which are fully recyclable and highly efficient LED’s with controls.

We love supporting schools on their journey to carbon net zero. ♻️

https://www.thecostreductioncompany.co.uk/light-as-a-service/

10/08/2022

Phase one of Queen Anne's solar installation has begun. 🙌

The panels have arrived and the sun is shining especially for us! ☀️

We cannot wait to see this project once it’s completed.

09/08/2022

Reducing costs and consumption within a school or business is much more than the actions taken. In order to truly embrace the change, those within the organisation must change their mindset.

Our Using Less Stuff Behaviour Change Programme has been designed to take you through the steps required to change the mindset of individuals within your school or business so that everybody is on board with making a change for good.

Find out more about the seven step programme here 👉 https://usinglessstuff.com/changing-mindsets/