Practical Ways Businesses Can Cut Energy Use & Costs in 2026
- anna66943
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
As businesses look ahead to 2026, many are taking stock of rising costs, sustainability targets and the practical steps they can take to operate more efficiently.
For some, Net Zero commitments are already in place. For others, the focus is simpler: reducing energy bills, improving efficiency and future-proofing operations without disrupting day-to-day work.
The good news? Meaningful progress doesn’t always require complex or costly changes. In many cases, the biggest gains come from looking at the basics — starting with lighting.
Why energy efficiency still matters
Energy costs remain one of the most controllable overheads for many organisations. While external factors like tariffs and policy changes are out of your hands, how efficiently energy is used within your buildings is not.
Lighting typically accounts for a significant proportion of electricity use in commercial and industrial environments, particularly in spaces such as:
Warehouses and workshops
Offices and call centres
Retail and showroom spaces
Education, healthcare and public buildings
Upgrading outdated lighting systems can deliver immediate reductions in energy consumption, alongside longer-term savings and carbon reductions.
LED lighting: a practical first step
LED lighting continues to be one of the most effective and accessible ways to cut energy use.
Compared to traditional fluorescent or discharge lighting, modern LED systems can reduce lighting energy consumption by 50–70%, while also offering:
Longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements
Improved light quality and consistency
Better performance in working environments
Reduced disruption from fewer replacements
For many businesses, LED upgrades are not a future ambition — they’re a practical, achievable step that delivers results from day one.
The role of smart controls
The real impact comes when LED upgrades are paired with smart lighting controls.
Occupancy sensors, daylight dimming and time scheduling ensure lights are only used when and where they’re needed. In the right environments, controls can unlock an additional 20–40% energy saving on top of LED upgrades alone.
This approach not only reduces waste but also helps businesses better understand how their spaces are used, supporting smarter decisions over time.
Proven results at scale
We’ve seen first-hand how effective this approach can be.
Working with Vertu Motor Group, TEP supported a nationwide LED lighting upgrade across more than 180 sites.
By redesigning lighting layouts and introducing efficient fittings and controls, Vertu achieved:
A 55% reduction in electricity usage
Over £600,000 in annual energy savings
A significant reduction in carbon emissions
Brighter, safer and more consistent working environments
The scale of the project shows what’s possible when the right solutions are applied properly — but the same principles apply just as effectively to smaller, single-site businesses.
Starting with the right conversation
Every building is different. The right solution depends on how spaces are used, operating hours, existing infrastructure and future plans.
That’s why the most effective energy efficiency projects start with a conversation and a proper survey, rather than a one-size-fits-all upgrade.
At TEP, we work with businesses across the North East and nationally to design LED lighting solutions that balance cost, performance and sustainability — supported by award-winning customer service and long-standing supplier relationships.
Looking forward
As 2026 approaches, energy efficiency will continue to be both a financial and environmental priority for many organisations.
If reducing energy costs, improving efficiency or taking practical steps towards Net Zero is on your agenda, lighting is often the smartest place to start.
We’re here to help you understand what’s possible, what will deliver the best return, and how to make the process straightforward from survey through to aftercare.
📞 01325 467563
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