ANNE VECK’S TOP ECO TIPS
Today [Friday, January 17] marks the start of Energy Saving Week until January 23, so we caught up with sustainability expert Anne Veck, for her 5 energy saving tips for hairdressers…
1. Reduce the energy you use. Install a smart meter (they are free) and remember to switch things off. Use timing controls and apps to do this automatically and consider motion-sensitive lighting in appropriate rooms (e.g. staff room, colour prep area) – LED lights of course. Don’t forget a timer on your heating too and if you can turn it down a couple of degrees, do!
2. Insulate your space. Stop that toasty heat escaping through the windows, doors, walls and roof by insulating your roof, floor, walls, everywhere you lose heat – including water pipes. Then draught-proof your doors and windows and male sure you keep external doors and windows closed when it’s cold outside.
3. Re-engineer your your machinery! Air conditioning is very wasteful of energy. If you must have it, check the thermostat is set to the optimal temperature. Tumble driers are huge energy hogs. Air dry towels please! Buy a high-efficiency washing machine and dishwasher to save energy and money, as well as water.
4. Choose a genuine renewable energy supplier. Most energy companies offer a green tariff but, according to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, the best to go for are Good Energy, Ecotricity, 100Green and Octopus. We agree. They aren’t the very cheapest available but if you combine with energy saving you’ll be ticking all boxes!
5. Make sure your team or co-freelancers are committed too. Ask employees to sign up to an eco charter backed up by energy saving induction and regular team meeting discussion. You could run competitions to recognise those that are doing it well.
And do shout about what you are doing on social to motivate others. Energy Saving Week is an annual campaign aiming to raise awareness about energy efficiency, reduce energy bills and combat fuel poverty. Important stuff and what’s not to like?
THANK YOU TO ANNE VECK AND SALON RE:SOURCE
