The high cost of energy remains a key concern for business owners and leaders, with nearly nine in 10 (89%) businesses using more energy than ever before[1]. Over a third (34%) of businesses blame energy-intensive technology and process digitalisation for their increased energy usage and bills[1].
New research from business energy experts at Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, uncovers how idle workplace technology may be unknowingly contributing to additional business energy consumption.
A survey of 1,000 UK office workers found that over one in five employees (21%) admit they don’t worry about leaving devices on in the office because they are not responsible for the energy bills, despite more than half (52%) recognising the associated environmental and financial costs for employers, highlighting the Financial Impact on businesses[2].
Small to medium businesses could spend around £90.98 annually on a single computer[3]
Uswitch’s analysis shows that the estimated energy costs of office technology, such as laptops, computers and screens, vary by business size. Small and medium businesses may pay as much as £90.98 annually to run a single computer, while laptops come in much lower at around £25.27[3].
|
Business size |
Price per kWh |
Laptop Weekly Energy Cost |
Laptop Yearly Energy Cost |
Computer Weekly Energy Cost |
Computer Yearly Energy Cost |
Screen Weekly Energy Cost |
Screen Yearly Energy Cost |
|
Microbusiness |
£0.26 |
£0.52 |
£27.04 |
£1.87 |
£97.34 |
£0.60 |
£31.10 |
|
Small business |
£0.25 |
£0.49 |
£25.58 |
£1.77 |
£92.10 |
£0.57 |
£29.42 |
|
Medium business |
£0.24 |
£0.48 |
£24.96 |
£1.73 |
£89.86 |
£0.55 |
£28.70 |
|
Large business |
£0.23 |
£0.46 |
£23.82 |
£1.65 |
£85.74 |
£0.53 |
£27.39 |
Source: uswitch.com/gas-electricity/
A quarter (25%) of offices leave devices on over holiday periods or during longer office closures[2]
With a significant portion of workers agreeing that their office leaves tech on standby outside of office hours, the costs to run laptops, screens and computers can be expected to be much higher when accounting for weekends, evenings and holidays[2]. Survey results also show that this number may be even higher in select industries. Over half (54%) of those in the legal sector agree that their workplace leaves tech on for longer periods, 36% in the travel and transport industries and 33% of those in manufacturing and utilities.
While 12% of workers do not know that laptops use significantly less energy than desktop computers, poor screen habits may also be increasing business energy bills[2]. Over one in five (22%) rarely or never turn their monitor off when away from their desks for extended periods[2]. 21% rarely or never set their computer to sleep after short periods of inactivity, and only a third (33%) adjust their brightness settings to reduce energy consumption[2].
Of those surveyed, those in the legal sector admitted to some of the worst energy-wasting habits when it comes to idle tech. Despite nearly one in five (19%) legal workers understanding the environmental impact of leaving work devices on standby, higher than any of the other professions surveyed, 46% leave their monitors on and 38% leave desktops on when they leave work, which is also higher than any other industry.
However, the same workers also recorded the highest willingness (54%) to power down equipment if the cost-saving and environmental benefits were better communicated by their employer[2].
|
Energy-saving actions |
Often |
Not Often |
|
I turn off my computer completely at the end of the day |
43.76% |
17.18% |
|
I adjust my brightness to reduce energy consumption |
33.27% |
24.68% |
|
I set my computer to sleep after a short period of inactivity |
36.86% |
20.78% |
|
I switch off printers and other shared devices when not in use |
35.76% |
21.28% |
|
I regularly unplug chargers or devices when fully charged |
46.25% |
17.18% |
|
I have adjusted power settings to reduce energy use |
33.87% |
24.08% |
|
I limit running unused apps, programs that drain power |
38.36% |
19.88% |
|
I turn my monitor off when I am away from my desk for long periods |
35.66% |
21.98% |
Source: uswitch.com/gas-electricity/
Over a third (36%) of office workers are more conscious of leaving devices on standby when working from home, as they are responsible for their household bills[2]
More than a quarter (28%) of workers follow a hybrid working pattern, which makes idle office tech a concern for business owners and households alike[4]. 19% of Brits often leave their laptop on standby at the office overnight; this figure drops when working from home to 14%[2]. Over half (53%) actively try to reduce their energy consumption when using devices at home, and 43% check their energy consumption or bills regularly at home to monitor their usage[2]. Two in five (40%) workers feel their bills have increased since working from home, with an equal percentage wishing for more guidance on how to manage devices when working from home[2].
Nearly two-thirds of workers (62%) feel it is their own responsibility to switch off equipment when working in the office[2]
Despite the majority of workers agreeing it is their responsibility, 19% leave desktop computers and monitors on after office hours[2]. Only half (54%) turn their laptop or computer off at the end of each working day, meaning more encouragement is needed to save businesses money on idle tech in the long run[2].
Only 37% believe their workplace provides clear guidance on energy-saving practices
As many as 18% of workers feel they are not encouraged by their employer to reduce unnecessary energy use, despite over half (52%) agreeing they would support structured policies or reminders to ensure devices are switched off when not in use[2].
Workers cited other barriers to conserving energy when it comes to their use of technology in the workplace. 30% of workers feel that their office environment makes it difficult to access device power switches, such as hard-to-reach plug sockets, creating physical barriers to turning devices off[2]. This figure was highest for those working in sales, media or marketing, with 40% agreeing, followed closely by the legal sector (38%), suggesting that access to more sockets and switches could provide a solution to energy saving in the workplace[2].
Greater awareness of their company’s sustainability targets could also motivate employees to cut energy use, with 42% saying they would be more likely to power down devices if they understood these goals[2]. Nearly half (46%) also agree that they would be more likely to switch off devices if the cost savings and environmental benefits were clearly communicated[2]. While this gap was identified, the survey also shows that nearly one in five (19%) HR professionals are unaware of the environmental impact of leaving devices on standbyn[2].
Only 35% agree their manager regularly reminds them to switch off their devices at the end of the day[2]
Lack of clarity on who is responsible is apparent, as 36% believe the IT department should be responsible for powering down shared devices like printers, compared to nearly a quarter (24%) who do not think it should fall to these teams[2]. Only half (50%) of those IT and Telecoms workers surveyed believe that IT teams should be responsible for powering down shared devices like printers in the office – significantly higher than the average of 33% across all industries surveyed[2]
The findings also show that only 34% of workers were aware of company policies and guidance regarding switching off devices[2]. Awareness of such policies was highest in IT and Telecoms (54%), Finance (41%) and HR (38%), while those working in Arts and Culture had the lowest awareness (8%) of any industry surveyed[2].
Ben Gallizzi, business energy expert at Uswitch, shares his tips for business owners to reduce their energy consumption:
-
Complete a business energy audit
“A business energy audit is a comprehensive report of your business’s energy usage, including how much energy is used and where. Completing an audit can help you identify where energy is being wasted to reduce bills. Small and micro businesses may even be able to complete their own using an energy-saving power meter; however, if you’re unsure, you can ask your provider to complete a professional audit on your business’s behalf.”
-
Update technology and turn it off when not in use
“Older devices are often less energy-efficient and can consume significantly more power than modern alternatives. Where possible, upgrade outdated equipment and ensure all technology is switched off during weekends, holidays and long periods of inactivity. Setting automatic shutdowns or enabling low-power modes can help prevent unnecessary energy waste.”
-
Educate teams and communicate sustainability goals and impact
“There are opportunities for business owners and leaders to better communicate energy policies and the benefits of reducing energy for both sustainability and financial purposes. Work closely with your internal communications and HR teams to identify knowledge gaps within your workforce and improve awareness through clear, engaging training and regular team-wide updates.”
-
Switch suppliers
“Commercial energy contracts usually stipulate that you can switch suppliers once your contract enters its renewal window – typically around six months before your current deal is set to expire. During this time, your supplier should inform you of your renewal offer; however, these are not always the best deal, so it’s best to compare your tariff options when the time comes.”
