What is an Energy Champion and How They Can Improve Your Business
At SRD Technical, we’ve trained over 100 Energy Champions across all sectors, from schools and nurseries to manufacturers and office-based businesses. But what exactly is an Energy Champion, and why are they so valuable for organisations striving to save energy, cut costs, and reduce carbon emissions?
What is an Energy Champion?
An Energy Champion is a member of your team who takes the lead on promoting energy efficiency in the workplace. They act as a point of contact, motivator, and role model for sustainable practices, helping staff understand how small changes in their daily routines can have a big impact on energy consumption.
Energy Champions don’t just monitor energy but they aim to inspire behavioural change, turning awareness into action. By embedding energy efficiency into everyday work habits, they help organisations save money, reduce carbon footprints, and meet regulatory and sustainability targets.
Why Businesses Need Energy Champions
Recent studies conducted in early 2025 reveal that around one in three UK employees (35%–36%) are less considerate of energy use at work compared to when they are at home. Everyday habits add up, costing businesses money and increasing carbon emissions. Some of the key findings include:
Common Wasteful Habits: Roughly half (49%–50%) of workers leave devices on standby or equipment plugged in when not in use
Specific Sins: 48% overfill the kettle, 38% leave lights on in empty rooms, and 20% leave doors open while heating or cooling is running
Hidden Costs: 12% of employees use office showers to save on personal energy bills
Reasons for Waste: Nearly half (49%) claim they are too busy to think about energy efficiency, and 35% are less mindful simply because they do not pay the utility bills
These statistics show a huge opportunity for businesses. Energy Champions help address these challenges by educating, motivating, and monitoring staff, so these small but costly behaviours are reduced.
How Do Energy Champions Work?
Identify Opportunities: Energy Champions spot areas of unnecessary energy use, from lighting and heating to office equipment.
Engage the Team: Through workshops, meetings, and daily reminders, they encourage colleagues to adopt energy-efficient habits.
Track and Report: Champions monitor energy-saving actions and share progress, helping managers see real improvements.
Drive Culture Change: Over time, energy efficiency becomes a normal part of your workplace culture, with everyone taking responsibility.
By empowering staff in this way, Energy Champions create a ripple effect: small daily actions add up to significant energy savings and reduced operational costs, while supporting corporate sustainability goals and compliance requirements.
Energy Champions: Driving Change from the Ground Up
Energy Champions are the heartbeat of your workplace energy strategy. Acting as the eyes and ears on site, they spot energy-saving opportunities, encourage colleagues to adopt sustainable habits, and report ideas or issues up to Facilities and Senior Staff. By bridging the gap between day-to-day operations and organisational strategy, Energy Champions turn awareness into action by helping your team save energy, cut costs, and support your Net Zero goals.
The SRD Approach
At SRD Technical, we tailor Energy Champion training to your organisation’s sector and size. Our training equips champions with:
Practical knowledge of energy-efficient behaviours
Tools to engage colleagues and track progress
Strategies to embed sustainable habits into everyday routines
The result? Businesses with trained Energy Champions see measurable reductions in energy use, cost savings, and improved staff engagement, all while strengthening their ESG and Net Zero credentials.
Conclusion
Energy Champions are more than just advocates, as they are catalysts for lasting change. In workplaces where energy waste is common, having dedicated champions ensures everyone plays a part in saving energy and reducing costs.
“An Energy Champion doesn’t just save energy, but they inspire your whole team to think, act, and work sustainably.”
Want to train Energy Champions in your business? Contact SRD Technical today and let’s make your workplace more energy-efficient, one champion at a time.
