By Debbie Elliott, Director of Operations at Bare Energy

Rising energy costs, changing regulations, and pressure from consumers mean that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. For Australian businesses, cutting your carbon footprint isn’t just good ethics; it’s smart business.

Reducing emissions doesn’t have to mean expensive overhauls or long-winded plans. It’s about making practical changes that lower your impact and improve your bottom line. Here are five ways to start.

1. Switch to solar and cut emissions at the source

Generating your own electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. For every kilowatt-hour of solar energy you produce, you avoid roughly 0.82 kg of CO₂. That adds up quickly. A 30kW solar system, for example, can reduce emissions by up to 35 tonnes per year (the same as taking around 13 cars off the road).

Beyond emissions, solar also shields your business from rising grid prices.

You generate what you use and sell the rest back. That gives you both energy independence and cost control.

2. Electrify and move away from gas

Gas appliances and equipment are often overlooked when it comes to emissions, but they contribute heavily to a business’s carbon footprint.

Replacing gas-powered systems with electric alternatives (like heat pumps, induction cooktops, and electric forklifts) reduces direct emissions and allows you to use more of your own solar power. It’s also a smart way to avoid future risks if gas becomes more expensive or heavily regulated.

3. Use smart monitoring to find hidden waste

It’s hard to reduce what you can’t see. Real-time energy monitoring gives you visibility over where and when power is being used across your operations. This data helps identify waste, reduce inefficiencies, and track the actual impact of any changes you make.

Businesses using monitoring often find savings in unexpected places, such as equipment left running, overuse during peak hours, or systems that aren’t operating efficiently.

4. Optimise operations around low-carbon habits

Not every improvement needs to involve new technology. Sometimes it’s about changing behaviours.

Running machinery during solar hours makes better use of self-generated power. Reducing standby loads, installing motion sensors, and choosing energy-efficient equipment can all cut emissions without disrupting day-to-day operations.

These adjustments may seem minor, but across an entire business they can add up to significant gains.

5. Keep your solar system performing at its best

Solar systems aren’t a set-and-forget investment. Like any other asset, they need upkeep.

Regular servicing keeps panels clean and in good condition, while performance monitoring helps you catch issues early. A well-maintained system ensures you’re getting the full benefit, both in terms of emissions reduction and return on investment.

Why carbon reduction makes business sense

Beyond the environmental benefits, reducing your carbon footprint is just good business. It:

• Lowers exposure to future carbon pricing and regulation
• Improves eligibility for grants, green loans, and environmentally conscious clients
• Builds a stronger reputation with customers, staff, and partners
• Helps manage long-term energy costs and volatility

It also shows leadership. More customers are supporting businesses that align with their values. When you take sustainability seriously, people notice.

Final word

There’s no single fix and you don’t need to do everything at once. But starting with the changes that reduce emissions and save money makes sense.

At Bare Energy, we work with businesses across the greater Sydney region, and NSW to deliver clean energy solutions that drive both environmental and financial impact. If you’re ready to take action, the first step is simpler than you think.