Running a greener business is no longer a niche concern. The UK is committed to net zero by 2050, energy prices remain volatile and customers increasingly choose suppliers with strong environmental credentials. For women running small businesses, sustainability is now a commercial priority. The good news is that you do not need a big budget or a dedicated sustainability team to make your business greener.

According to a 2021 British Business Bank report, small and medium-sized enterprises account for around 29% of UK emissions. That means the choices you make around energy, travel and waste genuinely matter. Small, consistent changes can cut costs, improve morale and strengthen your brand. Here are five practical ways to make your business greener.

1. Switch off and measure your energy use

Standby lights, chargers, monitors and kitchen appliances all draw power when not in use. Individually the amounts are small, but left on overnight and at weekends the cost adds up. Start by creating a simple switch-off routine: the last person out turns off non-essential equipment at the plug, or install timed or smart power strips so devices are not left drawing power when the office is empty.

To find the biggest savings, use a smart meter or a plug-in energy monitor to see exactly where electricity is going. One business discovered its air conditioning was working overtime to offset heat from servers and equipment left on standby. Turning those devices off out of hours produced a double saving: lower electricity bills and less strain on the cooling system.

The UK Business Climate Hub, launched by the government in 2023, offers free advice, calculators and guidance to help small businesses measure and cut emissions. Many local growth hubs also offer free or subsidised energy audits for small businesses, which can help you build a prioritised action plan.

2. Introduce a sustainable travel scheme

Transport is one of the UK’s largest sources of emissions. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, transport accounted for 33% of UK emissions in 2024. A car-sharing scheme takes vehicles off the road, cutting emissions per passenger and reducing fuel, parking and maintenance costs for staff. If your team is spread across a wide area, national car-share platforms and local travel-plan networks can help match colleagues with similar commutes.

Car sharing is just one option. Consider also:

• promoting cycling or walking through the HMRC-approved cycle-to-work scheme, which allows employees to save on the cost of a bike and equipment through salary sacrifice;
• subsidising season tickets or bus passes;
• staggering start times to avoid peak congestion;
• offering remote or hybrid working where the role allows.

Even one or two days a week of remote working or shared travel can noticeably reduce your business’s transport footprint.

3. Recycle properly

Waste disposal is expensive and getting more so. From April 2025, the standard rate of landfill tax in England is £103.70 per tonne, according to HMRC, with similar rates in Scotland and Wales. A well-run recycling scheme cuts the amount of waste you send to landfill, reduces disposal costs and signals to employees that you take your environmental responsibilities seriously.

The key is to make recycling easy. Place clearly labelled, colour-coded bins next to every general waste bin so staff do not have to walk further to recycle. Separate paper, card, plastics, glass and, where possible, food waste and batteries at source. Train new starters on the system and display simple signage. If you produce electrical waste, use a registered waste carrier or retailer take-back scheme to ensure it is handled responsibly. A poorly planned scheme can backfire, so review it regularly and ask your team what would make recycling simpler.

4. Upgrade to LED lighting and smart controls

Lighting technology has moved on dramatically. According to 2024 Energy Saving Trust guidance, modern LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and significantly less than compact fluorescent lamps, while lasting 15,000 to 50,000 hours. In a typical office, that can mean many years of use before replacement. Although LEDs cost more upfront than older bulbs, the payback period is often one to three years through reduced electricity and maintenance bills.

To maximise savings, pair LEDs with occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls and dimmable fittings. These ensure lights are only on when and where they are needed. Check whether your local authority or energy supplier offers grants or interest-free loans for small-business energy efficiency upgrades. The Carbon Trust also provides advice and may be able to help with financing for larger projects.

5. Be temperature wise and improve your building

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning can account for a large share of a small business’s energy use. Start with the basics: set the thermostat to an efficient office temperature, typically between 18°C and 21°C, and make sure timers match your working hours. Under current Health and Safety Executive guidance, the minimum workplace temperature for offices should be at least 16°C. Avoid heating and cooling the same space at the same time, and keep thermostats away from draughts or direct sunlight so they read accurately.

Next, look at your building fabric. Draught-proofing windows and doors, adding insulation, fitting self-closing door hinges and sealing gaps around pipes can all reduce heat loss. Simple behaviour changes matter too: closing windows when heating is on, reporting faulty radiators and not propping open fire doors. For larger premises, a building energy management system or smart heating controls can help you zone temperatures and avoid heating empty rooms.

Start with quick wins to make your business greener

Making your business greener is a process, not a one-off project. Start by measuring your current energy use, travel and waste, then pick the changes that will deliver the quickest wins for your business. Communicate your plans clearly to staff, celebrate progress and publish your results so customers and suppliers can see your commitment. For women-led businesses, these practical steps can also strengthen your reputation with customers, investors and partners who value credible environmental action. Over time, these small steps can add up to lower costs, a healthier workplace and a business that is better prepared for a low-carbon future.

If you want to go further, consider whether B Corp certification could formalise your environmental and social commitments, or read our guide to building sustainability into your brand. For broader context on the UK business landscape, see our Women in Business: Key UK Facts page.