Simple supports to help your business reduce energy use and costs.
We understand that energy costs are a major day‑to‑day concern for businesses. Reducing energy use is one of the quickest ways for businesses to cut costs, improve competitiveness and be more sustainable. The good news is that many changes are simple, low‑cost and deliver savings straight away. Government supports are also available to help businesses go further with expert advice and financial assistance.
Below are some simple actions businesses can take now together with information on the range of government supports that can help your business reduce energy costs immediately.
What you can do now
Many businesses can reduce energy costs immediately by making small changes.
The Reduce Your Use in Business guidance outlines simple, low‑cost actions such as:
- switching off unused equipment
- optimising heating, lighting and ventilation
- improving how equipment is used and maintained
These actions can deliver savings straight away and help prepare your business for further energy efficiency improvements.
Supports to reduce energy costs
There are various grants and financial supports available to help businesses invest in energy efficiency with quicker payback.
Energy Efficiency Grant
Lighting, heating and commercial equipment can be energy intensive. The Energy Efficiency Grant is especially helpful for small businesses in reducing their energy bills through measures such as equipment upgrades and process improvements, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced emissions.
Visit Energy Efficiency Grant to find out more.
Energy audits are also a great way to identify savings. Start by visiting Green For Business Sustainability Grant and GreenStart Business Sustainability Grant for more helpful information.
Measure your energy use
Understanding where your business uses energy, whether it’s electricity, fuel, or heating, does not have to be complex or time‑consuming. Even a quick review of your biggest energy users, such as lighting, equipment, refrigeration or transport, can quickly highlight inefficiencies. For many businesses, the biggest savings come from small changes once those hotspots are visible.
The Climate Toolkit 4 Business is a FREE online tool that can help you start without specialist knowledge. The key is to keep the process simple and focused on action, allowing you to set a short‑term, realistic energy‑saving goal, such as reducing electricity use by a small percentage or cutting fuel costs on key routes and track this progress regularly. This makes it easier to scale up improvements over time and embed energy efficiency into everyday business decisions.
Continue your energy journey
You don’t need to tackle rising energy costs on your own. There’s a wide range of grants, expert advice and training programmes available to help businesses reduce energy use, lower operating costs and invest more wisely in upgrades. Whether you’re looking for quick savings or longer‑term improvements, these supports make energy efficiency more achievable for businesses of all sizes.
Below are some of the most relevant schemes — from free expert advice to funding support for energy upgrades.
Climate Action Voucher: Worth up to €1,800, this voucher covers time with an approved consultant who will review how your business uses energy and identify practical opportunities to reduce costs. It’s an ideal first step for businesses that want clear, independent advice on where savings can be made without committing to major investment upfront.
Grants for solar panels: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a range of supports including free training programmes, tax relief, and funding to make solar energy more accessible. Solar panels can significantly reduce daytime electricity costs and protect your business from future energy price increases.
GreenStart programme: GreenStart supports businesses taking their first steps towards more efficient operations. The programme covers areas such as energy use, resource efficiency, and understanding energy data, helping you identify where money is being wasted and how to prevent it.
Green for Business programme: With this free programme, an expert consultant will come to your business and identify ways you can reduce energy usage. You’ll receive a comprehensive action plan including advice on what grants you can apply for. This free programme provides access to an expert consultant who visits your business and identifies opportunities to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. You’ll receive a clear, tailored action plan outlining practical improvements — along with guidance on which grants and supports can help fund them.
Skillnet Ireland Climate Ready Academy: Access free and subsidised training for you and your team in areas such as energy management, cost control, and strategic planning. These courses help build in‑house capability so energy efficiency becomes part of everyday decision‑making, not a one‑off project.
The National Enterprise Hub is here to help.
If cutting energy bills and improving operational efficiency are priorities for your business, the National Enterprise Hub is here to help. An initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, operated by Enterprise Ireland, the NEH brings together and signposts to funding, expert advice and training from across government into one place. This makes it easier for businesses to identify the right supports to reduce energy costs, invest in efficiency upgrades and build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable business. Start small, build momentum and access the backing you need to turn energy savings into lasting competitive advantage. Visit the National Enterprise Hub to find out more.