How can my business shift to a lower carbon fuel?

Did you know that nearly a third of small businesses struggle with high energy costs? It's time to make a change. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offers a simple and effective way to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and ready your operations for the transition towards renewable energy sources, when switching from oil or coal.

Moreover, globally, 89% of investors incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors when evaluating potential investments, showing that an ongoing commitment to finding more sustainable business operations can open up more doors when seeking investment.

Why Choose LPG?

LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a colourless, low-carbon hydrocarbon gas available in propane and butane forms. It stands out as the lowest carbon fossil fuel option for off-grid businesses, offering a clean and energy-rich alternative to traditional fuels like oil and coal. With up to 20% fewer carbon emissions than oil and up to 33% less than coal, LPG presents a more environmentally friendly choice that immediately and positively impacts your business's carbon footprint when you switch.

Your Business Can Make a Difference

As the International Energy Agency explains, investing in low-emission fuels is an important strategy for decarbonising our society, especially when other options like electrification are difficult and expensive. Yet, low-emission fuels account for only 1% of the global final energy consumption in 2022, which is far short of the 5% goal in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario.

In the UK alone, there are 5.5 million small and medium-sized businesses which the Government sees as critical to reaching its 2050 Net Zero target. If even just a handful of businesses switch to LPG, which is lower carbon compared to oil and gas, we can make significant progress in reaching Net Zero. Moreover, LPG infrastructure can be repurposed in the future for renewable fuels.

Five Steps to Making the Switch

Switching to a lower-carbon fuel like LPG may seem daunting, especially for off-grid businesses. However, following these five steps can streamline the transition process and ensure a successful implementation:

Assess: Evaluate your current energy usage and consumption patterns.
Calculate: Understand your environmental impact by calculating your carbon footprint.
Quick Wins: Focus on projects that will quickly reduce costs and carbon footprint.
Research: Assess the lifespan of your current energy solution and research available alternatives, plus the pros and cons of each solution.
Partnership: Collaborate with energy consultants for tailored advice and contact suppliers like Flogas to explore solutions and funding options.

Real world success: the Springbank Distillery

One example of successful implementation comes from J&A Mitchell & Co., a family-run whisky producer that switched from gas oil to LPG at its Springbank and Glengyle distilleries. By making this transition, J&A Mitchell & Co. expects to:

Cut energy costs by up to 18%
Reduce carbon emissions by over 20%
Minimise other pollutant emissions
Ensure compliance with government regulations

According to Findlay Ross, Director of Production at J&A Mitchell & Co., "Liquid gas is a much more reliable fuel source for us, and because our tanks are fitted with auto-ordering technology, we’ll never have to worry about being caught out."

“Running on more modern burners and switching to liquid gas is going to make us so much more efficient. Also, the cost savings are going to be significant, even before the red diesel subsidy withdrawal, which means we can now invest in other important areas of the business.”

Take Action Today

Every action and decision you take today can make a real difference in driving operational efficiency, becoming more sustainable, and finding cost savings. By following the five steps to shift to LPG, you can secure your medium-term energy source while looking towards more renewable options for the future.