Is sustainability a business necessity?

While energy efficiency is an obvious place to start a sustainability campaign, it is rarely the easiest, particularly when a large proportion of a retailer’s property portfolio is leased, rather than owned.

At British Gas, we believe there are three pillars to great energy management:

• Use wisely
• Buy better
• Low carbon generation

Using energy wisely is highly dependent on company culture, as staff need to co-operate in meeting energy efficiency goals.

Optimising teamwork

Using consumption data to compare different stores or departments can provide a powerful competitive incentive to a team that strives to be the green heroes of the company.

Data also enables better decisions about when to operate or instigate a new approach. Our Energy360 platform gives great oversight of headline cost and carbon and consumption data, while the device-level Panoramic Power gives energy and maintenance teams the granular information necessary to drive down running costs.

Buying better is simple economics. But tracking wholesale energy markets is complex and time consuming.

Learning how and when to purchase volumes of gas and power in line with the corporate procurement risk strategy requires detailed energy markets knowledge, as well as a sound understanding of the demand for where the energy will be used.

“Using energy wisely is highly dependent on company culture, as staff need to co-operate in meeting energy efficiency goals”

At British Gas, we work closely with our customers to deliver the best price. Our account managers have sector specialisms, understanding the challenges faced by the sector for retailers, quickly deducing the specific knowledge needed to provide the best possible service to each customer.

Low carbon generation has environmental benefits and it is a good business decision as it can be highly lucrative.

Not only does on-site storage and generation reduce the need to purchase gas and electricity, but it can be contracted to the National Grid and generate income.

Technology-led retail

For retailers, technology is changing the game. Internet shopping, drone deliveries, virtual reality catalogues and automated pickers in warehouses are all part of business today.

At British Gas, innovation in how energy is managed, bought and used is the most important factor, providing a retailer sustainability long into the future.

“Using consumption data to compare different stores can provide a powerful competitive incentive to a team that strives to be the green heroes of the company”

Retail Week’s recently published white paper in association with British Gas showcases the innovative and inspiring work already taking place across the retail sector to reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable business.

The opportunities to create a better environment also offer the chance to deliver cost benefits and real energy savings. At British Gas, we are proud to work with retailers to be a part of this story.