Charities Buying Group and SSE Energy Solutions
A Partnership with Purpose
Charities Buying Group and SSE have joined forces to support charities of all sizes as they navigate the transition toward net zero. Together, we combine sector expertise, energy knowledge and practical tools that help charities reduce emissions, control costs and deliver their mission sustainably.
WHY THIS PARTNERSHIP MATTERS
Charities face a unique set of challenges:
rising operational costs
increasing expectations from funders and regulators
pressure to report on environmental impact
limited time, resource and technical expertise
The Charities Buying Group × SSE partnership exists to make net zero more achievable, more affordable and more relevant for the third sector.
WHAT EACH PARTNER BRINGS
Charities Buying Group
Deep understanding of the charity sector
Decades of experience supporting operational efficiency
Guidance tailored to organisational mission, governance and beneficiaries
National network of charities, funders and trustees
SSE
Specialist knowledge in energy systems, net zero strategy and decarbonisation
Tools for understanding energy use and identifying opportunities
Expertise in planning long-term low-carbon transitions
Scalable support for charities of all sizes and settings
WHY THIS PARTNERSHIP IS DIFFERENT
Unlike commercial net zero services, the Charities Buying Group × SSE partnership is:
tailored to the realities of the third sector
sensitive to funding cycles and safeguarding priorities
designed for long-term value rather than short-term sales
accessible without requiring specialist technical knowledge
Most importantly, it recognises that charities exist to serve people — and sustainability must support, not hinder, mission delivery.
Five energy efficiency tips for charities
For charities and public sector organisations, every pound saved on energy is a pound that can be redirected towards your mission. Improving energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean major investment either. Many of the most effective actions are simple, low‑cost changes that cut bills and carbon at the same time. Here are five top tips from SSE Energy Solutions.
- Use your data to spot easy savings
Smart meter data can show where energy is being used most across your buildings. These hotspots are often where small changes deliver quick wins, helping you focus effort where it really counts. - Get heating and hot water under control
Match heating levels to how spaces are used – offices need more warmth than areas like sports facilities. Installing timer switches ensures heating is only on when buildings are occupied. Even lowering hot water temperatures slightly can reduce energy use without affecting comfort. - Be smart with cooling and ventilation
Air conditioning should only be used where it’s genuinely needed, such as spaces requiring humidity control. Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, switching off heating above 20°C and only using cooling when temperatures rise. Variable‑speed drives on ventilation fans can also cut wasted energy. - Make lighting work harder
Turning lights off when they’re not needed is still one of the simplest wins. Upgrading to daylight sensors, motion detectors and timers automates this, while replacing failed bulbs with LED or CFL options can dramatically reduce electricity use. - Tackle energy-hungry equipment
Computers, monitors and shared equipment are often left on out of hours. Switching devices off overnight, using plug‑in timers, and choosing energy‑efficient IT when replacing equipment can noticeably lower yearly running costs.
These practical changes can help charities cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and create more comfortable, productive spaces for employees and volunteers alike.
More ways to cut costs and carbon
To see how making some simple changes can make a big difference to your organisation’s energy efficiency, download SSE Energy Solutions’ guide.