New survey launched to find out how Leicestershire businesses are 'going green’

Take Glenfield Electrical's 'going green' survey here.

Across the UK, businesses are facing a new kind of challenge – one that isn’t just about profits, productivity and operations but one that also includes sustainability.

Sixty percent of British businesses are being held back by rising energy prices because of industrial energy prices in Britain being 46% higher than the G7 average, according to the International Energy Agency’s research.

With the government setting firm targets around net zero and energy efficiency, there’s a growing push for businesses to think differently about how they power their operations.

But here’s the good news: increasingly businesses are turning this pressure into a positive – finding smart, cost-effective ways to go green.

Here, in Leicestershire, the Glenfield Electrical team are seeing how small changes are making a big impact for local businesses, both financially and environmentally. The company has launched a survey of Leicestershire businesses to find out more.

The Government is encouraging electrical contractors to work with companies to find greener solutions, and Glenfield Electrical is taking this challenge very seriously. By finding out about the needs and issues facing companies here, the team hopes to provide enhanced advice and support to businesses on greener energy options.

You can take the five-minute survey here (you'll also automatically entered into a prize draw).

What Glenfield Electrical have to say about going green

Why are we focusing on this? Businesses are starting to invest already – and they need help.

The shift: Greener business is gaining momentum

Over the past year, we’ve noticed a real shift. From local independent shops to national chains, we’re seeing companies investing in greener energy. It’s not just a trend, it’s becoming the new standard.

We’re talking solar panels on warehouse rooftops. Electric vehicles quietly replacing diesel fleets. LED lighting systems that cut energy bills without compromising brightness. In Leicestershire, we’ve seen a growing number of local businesses take the leap – and the reasons go far beyond ‘doing the right thing’.

So, let’s take a look at these three ways to make your business more sustainable – LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicles.

Lighting: Small change, big savings

One of the easiest ways to cut your energy bills is by upgrading your lights. LEDs and T5 fluorescent bulbs use far less electricity than older bulbs. According to Business Climate Hub, they can save you up to 90% compared to traditional fluorescent lights. Plus, they last up to 10 times longer, which means fewer replacements and less hassle.

LED lights are also better for the environment. They use less energy overall, which helps reduce carbon emissions. Because they last so long, there’s less waste from thrown-away bulbs. Unlike some older bulbs, LEDs don't contain harmful chemicals like mercury, making them safer to dispose of.

Right after installing energy efficient lighting, many businesses see their lighting costs drop by more than 75%. It’s a simple step that quickly pays for itself.

Solar panels: A bright investment for your business

More businesses are turning to solar – and it’s easy to see why. With energy costs on the rise, solar panels offer a smart, long-term way to save money and cut emissions.

At Glenfield Electrical, we’ve seen solar work especially well for warehouses, offices, and other sites with decent roof space. Here’s what makes them a good option:

·      Lower bills – Generate your own power and reduce what bills you pay to suppliers, especially during peak daylight hours.

·      Long lifespan – panels typically last 20-30 years with minimal upkeep according to Business Climate Hub.

·      Fast payback – Most systems pay for themselves in 11-14 years, sometimes sooner with grants or VAT exemptions.

·      Earn money back – Sell excess power to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee

If your building has at least 20 square meters of unshaded roof space, solar is worth considering. It’s a practical way to future-proof your business – and it’s more accessible than many people think.

Electric vehicles: Cheaper and cleaner

If you’re thinking about switching your fleet to electric, the good news is that EVs can be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. The Business Climate Hub shares some useful facts:

·      New electric cars can travel about 236 miles on a single charge – enough for around two weeks of average driving

·      EVs produce only one-third of the greenhouse gases over their lifetime compared to petrol cars

·      They use up to 75% less energy than petrol or diesel vehicles

·      And they’re cheaper to maintain - with costs typically 40% lower thanks to fewer moving parts and things like regenerative braking.

Charging infrastructure is growing fast, too. As of May 2025, the UK has over 79,000 public EV chargers, with nearly 20% of them being high-speed chargers, making it easier than ever to keep your vehicle powered up on the go.

Plus, EVs get some nice perks, like exemptions from city congestion charges and grants on vehicles and home charging points – great reasons to consider making the switch now.

The benefits of going green

Let’s break it down. Switching to green energy and more sustainable tech can bring:

·      Lower running costs – whether it’s through LED lighting (which can save you up to 90% on lighting energy use) or generating your own power via solar panels, you’ll likely see reduced utility bills.

·      Increased resilience – creating your own energy or improving efficiency helps protect your business from price hikes or supply issues.

·      Better brand reputation – Customers, investors and even potential employees are increasingly looking to work with companies that take climate responsibility seriously.

·      Lower emissions – it's not just about ticket a box, greener choices can significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint and air pollution.

Better for business, better for planet

The move to green energy isn’t just about keeping up – it’s about getting ahead. From saving money to reducing your environmental impact, the benefits go beyond the bottom line.

And it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Even small changes – like switching your lights or exploring solar, can set your business up on the right path. We’ve seen it firsthand: when businesses start thinking greener, good things follow.

Tell us what you’re doing

At Glenfield Electrical, we’re passionate about sustainable business – and we’d love to hear from others who are on the same path.

If you’re based in Leicestershire, we’ve launched a quick survey to understand what local businesses are already doing around green energy and where the challenges still lie. It’s short, completely confidential, and we’ll send across our findings report to all participants.