What the evidence means
The ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey allowed businesses to report multiple carbon-reduction actions. Percentages therefore do not sum to 100%.
Multiple responses were permitted in the BICS question.
G&G verified business evidence
UK businesses adjusting heating and cooling systems
In late December 2024, 24% of UK businesses reported adjusting heating and cooling systems to reduce carbon emissions.
24
percent
Original source
Office for National Statistics
Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 9 January 2025
The action breakdown reports 24% adjusted heating and cooling systems.
View original evidence
Office for National Statistics. Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 9 January 2025. 9th of January, 2025. https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/businessservices/bulletins/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy/9january2025
Why this matters to UK SMEs
Heating and cooling changes can be relatively accessible carbon-reduction actions for premises-based SMEs and may also affect energy costs. The statistic records reported action, not the emissions or financial savings achieved.
Key breakdowns
In late December 2024, 24% of businesses reported adjusting heating and cooling systems to reduce carbon emissions. This was the second most common reported action after switching to LED bulbs at 34%; installing a smart meter was reported by 15%. Overall, 51% reported at least one carbon-reduction action.
How to interpret this evidence
Respondents could select multiple actions, so the percentages overlap and should not be added. Adjusting systems can range from changing controls to equipment modifications; the survey does not distinguish the scale, permanence or measured result.
Limitations
BICS is a voluntary survey, excludes some industries and reports official statistics in development. The late-December timing and business self-reporting may affect responses. The measure does not quantify investment, energy use, carbon saved, comfort, building type or whether an action was independently verified.
Practical considerations
G&G perspective: establish an energy baseline, check controls and operating hours, prioritise low-cost corrections and measure consumption after changes. Protect comfort, product requirements and ventilation, and assess larger investments using expected savings, maintenance, incentives and realistic payback.