SDG 7, Affordable and clean energy

Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. For SMEs, this means cutting energy waste, improving efficiency, choosing cleaner tariffs, and investing in upgrades that reduce costs and emissions locally.

Efficiency LED upgrades Smart controls Renewable tariffs
Local SME example Preston

A practical example, local and repeatable

A Preston based retail unit faced high winter energy bills and inconsistent heating. They switched to LED lighting, added simple timer controls, and improved draught proofing around doors and stockroom areas. Within one season, energy use dropped and the shop stayed more comfortable for staff and customers.

What they did
  • Replaced halogen lights with LEDs
  • Added timers and zoning for heating
  • Sealed draught points and improved insulation
Business impact
  • Lower monthly energy costs
  • More comfortable workspace and customer experience
  • Clearer sustainability story for local customers
Local SEO angle

They added “energy efficient shop”, “LED upgrade”, and “clean energy Preston” to their SDG:Zero listing and posts. This supported searches like “eco friendly retailer Preston” and “sustainable business near me”, helping customers choose them with confidence.

Add your energy impact to your listing Efficiency saves money and carbon

Quick explainer video

Hear how SDG 7 supports local SMEs, and the practical changes that cut costs, reduce waste, and strengthen local credibility.

For more podcasts and practical templates around energy audits, upgrade checklists, and supplier choices, join the SDG:Zero Vault.

Practical actions for SMEs

Do a simple energy walkaround

List what is on, when it is used, and what can be switched off or timed.

Switch to LED lighting

A quick upgrade that reduces consumption and improves lighting quality.

Add smart controls

Timers, thermostats, zoning, and occupancy sensors reduce waste automatically.

Improve insulation and draught proofing

Small sealing and insulation fixes make heating and cooling more efficient.

Choose cleaner energy

Switch to a renewable tariff or discuss options with your energy supplier.

Listing copy examples you can use

Energy efficiency

We reduce energy waste through LED upgrades, smart controls, and regular checks on usage.

Smarter operations

We use timers and zoning to reduce unnecessary heating and lighting without affecting quality.

Cleaner energy choices

We aim to choose cleaner tariffs and suppliers, reducing emissions while keeping costs under control.

Simple metrics to track

Monthly energy use

kWh per month, plus cost per month, and usage per head or per site if relevant.

Upgrade checklist

Lighting upgrades completed, controls installed, and insulation improvements made.

Carbon footprint estimate

Basic emissions estimate from bills, especially before and after changes.

SDG 7, savings you can prove

Turn energy upgrades into local trust and enquiries

Energy improvements are easy to explain and easy to evidence. When customers see efficiency actions, they trust your business more. Add SDG 7 to your SDG:Zero listing, then share the upgrades you made and what changed in your bills or usage.

Stand out locally as cost smart and future focused
Build trust with visible energy saving actions
Create local content that supports visibility and conversions