How Switching to Renewable Electricity Is Just the Start

In 2024, the UK reached a milestone: renewables generated over 50% of the nation’s electricity. It was the first time clean energy made up the majority share, according to the UK Government’s official statistics (DUKES 2025, Chapter 6).

It’s a sign of real progress. But nearly half of the UK’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels. That shows how far there still is to go.

If you want to explore how the UK is planning its next steps, the Net Zero Technology Outlook sets out the direction of travel.

We’ve Switched to Green Electricity

All the buildings where we manage the electricity contract are now powered by Ecotricity. They are a UK supplier that invests directly in new renewable energy generation. This doesn’t mean our buildings are running on sunshine or wind turbines alone. We still draw power from the national grid. But it does mean that the money we spend supports new, clean energy being added to the system. That is a meaningful first step. Not the last.

What Happens After the Switch

Changing suppliers is only the beginning. We are now focused on using energy even more carefully and avoid wasting it wherever we can.

1. Spotting early action

Some teams are already leading the way. For example, we are using remote monitoring tools to detect energy spikes and fix issues quickly. These kinds of actions set the tone for what we want to see more of.

2. Sharing the data

Most of our buildings already have half-hourly electricity metering. We will start sharing this data internally. Teams will be able to see trends, compare usage, and understand the impact of changes they make.

3. Planning for less energy use

The property team is using this data to guide both short-term fixes and long-term improvements. These include better insulation, modern equipment controls, lighting upgrades, and practical changes to reduce energy demand in day-to-day operations.

Why It Matters

This work helps us make better decisions with the resources we have. Lower energy use means lower costs. That frees up more money for frontline work.

It also improves the quality and credibility of our climate reporting. Funders and partners can see that we practise what we promote. Transparent energy data builds trust.

This is not about perfect systems or quick wins. It’s about doing the right thing, consistently, and making progress we can prove.