Whilst global frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide broad ambitions, the most practical wins come from focusing on what you can control as a business operationally. And according to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, that means zeroing in on Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions, your direct emissions and those from purchased energy, where changes have a tangible and immediate impact.
This pivot towards operational carbon reduction neatly aligns with Science-Based Targets (SBTs), with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) reports are now adopted by over 3,000 companies worldwide. By setting clear, evidence-backed goals, businesses can meet customer expectations, avoid regulatory pitfalls and ultimately improve financial health.
In fact, the European Commission’s 2030 climate and energy framework encourages companies to tighten up their emissions strategies, making SBTs a practical tool for compliance as well as competitiveness. We’ll be taking you through the steps to take and the considerations you’ll need to factor into creating a sustainable energy strategy.
Read » How Energy Storage Contributes to Corporate Net Zero Goals
Understanding sustainable energy planning
Sustainable energy planning is about crafting a long-term roadmap that reduces carbon emissions, stabilises costs and keeps your business positioned for future growth. Instead of chasing quick fixes, it’s about creating an integrated sustainable energy strategy that aligns leadership, finance, and operations around shared sustainability targets.
Key components of a sustainable energy plan
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Assessment and objective setting
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Renewable energy integration
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Energy storage integration
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Financial planning
Benefits for Commercial & Industrial companies
Reducing electricity price volatility
With electricity prices in Europe more volatile than ever, especially following recent geopolitical tensions, energy optimisation can yield double-digit percentage savings. By one estimate, improved efficiency measures could cut European industrial energy costs by up to 15% (McKinsey & Company).
Improving operational resilience
By diversifying energy sources and adding storage capacity, businesses can ride out supply disruptions and insulate themselves from unpredictable price spikes, making day-to-day operations more stable and predictable.
Protecting brand reputation
In a world where investors increasingly reward firms that act on climate, demonstrating a robust sustainable energy strategy can enhance market credibility. The Deloitte European CFO survey found that companies with clear ESG strategies, including energy efficiency and renewables, gained better access to capital.
Adhering to regulatory compliance
Adhering to regulatory compliance safeguards businesses against penalties and operational disruptions. By staying ahead of directives like the EU’s Fit for 55 package, companies maintain market access, secure investor confidence, and avoid costly retrofits later on. It turns environmental mandates into competitive advantages, enabling stable growth and sustainable value creation.
7 steps to creating a sustainable energy strategy
Moving from theory to action requires a structured approach. By breaking down your sustainable energy strategy into practical, manageable steps, you can ensure that each improvement builds on the last – delivering measurable results and genuine business value.
- Assess current energy usage and carbon footprint
Start with a detailed audit. Map out your energy consumption patterns, identify peak usage, and measure related Scope 1 & 2 emissions following the GHG Protocol. This gives you a baseline so you know exactly where you stand and where to focus first. - Set clear and measurable goals
Translate your ambitions into precise targets. Consider adopting Science-Based Targets to ensure credibility and to align your efforts with recognised best practices. This clarity helps you prioritise investments, communicate effectively to stakeholders, and maintain progress over time. - Identify potential energy-saving measures
Look for quick wins and long-term opportunities; this might include upgrading to more efficient machinery, tweaking operational processes, or automating controls. According to the International Energy Agency, industrial efficiency improvements can drive down energy costs by 10–30%. The key is to find solutions that deliver both environmental and financial returns. - Explore renewable energy options
Evaluate onsite renewables like rooftop solar or invest in Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). By adding clean, stable-priced energy to your mix, you’re buffering your business against fossil fuel volatility and aligning with Europe’s drive toward net-zero emissions. - Integrate battery energy storage
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can capture excess energy for use when you need it most, flattening peak demand charges and reducing reliance on the grid. This step enhances operational resilience, helping you respond to dynamic market conditions and potential disruptions. - Develop an implementation timeline
With your measures identified it’ll be time to plan the rollout. Stagger projects based on capital availability, operational impact and expected returns. A phased approach helps you manage risks, maintain business continuity, and refine your strategy as you gain experience and insights. - Establish monitoring and reporting processes
Ongoing data collection and analysis are essential. Implement real-time monitoring tools, set up regular reporting against defined KPIs, and stay agile. By tracking performance and identifying issues early, you can make continuous improvements and keep stakeholders informed – reinforcing your commitment to sustainability and transparent governance.
Common challenges of implementing a strategy
No matter how well-intentioned or carefully designed the strategy, transforming your energy landscape comes with hurdles. Being aware of these challenges up front can help you tackle them proactively, ensuring your sustainable energy strategy doesn’t stall at the starting line.
Addressing financial investment and ROI concerns
Investing in new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, or consulting services often involves substantial upfront spending. Even with clear long-term savings, C-suite leaders might hesitate without a convincing business case.
To counter this, Wattstor has launched Price Protect, a renewable electricity tariff designed to cover all onsite electricity costs. If wholesale electricity prices fall, you’ll benefit from a cheaper rate. This will always be lower than the market rate, no matter how much prices will fall. But if prices spike, you will be protected by a price cap – meaning you’ll never pay more than agreed.
No matter what the electricity market price is, with Price Protect, yours will always be lower. On top of that, you’ll receive detailed ROI forecasts, supported by transparent data and scenario planning, building the internal confidence needed to move forward.
Navigating the regulatory landscape
The EU’s Fit for 55 package, national-level directives, and an evolving patchwork of incentives can create confusion. As policies shift, businesses may struggle to determine which technologies qualify for subsidies or how to report emissions reductions.
Engaging with experienced consultants, joining industry associations, or using specialised compliance tools can help you stay on top of developments. By aligning your strategy with recognised frameworks – like the GHG Protocol or Science-Based Targets – you also position yourself to adapt more easily as regulations become stricter or more complex.
Ensuring stakeholder buy-in
Rolling out a sustainable energy strategy isn’t just about technical fixes – people matter. Securing internal buy-in across the company and including suppliers requires clear communication of benefits: operational teams need to understand how new processes make their jobs easier, finance teams need clarity on returns, and executives require evidence that these investments strengthen the company’s competitive edge.
Related case study: Big Yellow Storage’s Sustainability Journey
External stakeholders; customers, investors, and regulators are more likely to support initiatives backed by credible data, robust reporting, and a transparent narrative. Workshops, training sessions, and regular progress updates can turn skepticism into enthusiastic support.
How Wattstor solutions support net zero goals
Wattstor’s integrated energy storage solutions enable businesses to achieve tangible, measurable progress toward SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by increasing the share of renewables in your energy mix and improving overall efficiency. By aligning with frameworks like the GHG Protocol, Science-Based Targets, and Europe’s Fit for 55 initiatives, Wattstor’s approach helps you:
- Reduce emissions (Scope 1 & 2)
Storing and using clean energy on-demand means lowering reliance on fossil-fuel-generated electricity. - Improve energy security
With Wattstor’s BESS, businesses can rely less on fluctuating grid supplies, stabilising operations and cutting exposure to volatile market rates. - Strengthen market competitiveness
As customers, regulators and investors increasingly favor companies with credible sustainability credentials, Wattstor’s solutions not only tick regulatory boxes but also enhance your brand reputation and investor appeal.
In essence, energy storage plays a pivotal role in moving from a fragmented energy approach to a cohesive, future-ready strategy. One where businesses can confidently commit to cleaner energy, tighter cost control, and more resilient operations. Wattstor’s services accelerate this transition, helping you integrate sustainability into the heart of your energy planning.
Conclusion
Building a sustainable energy strategy isn’t just ticking a compliance box; it’s a strategic move that can stabilise costs, meet regulatory demands, bolster your brand and fuel long-term growth. By understanding your current baseline, setting clear targets, integrating renewables, leveraging storage and planning financially smart implementations, you create a roadmap that turns challenges into competitive advantages.
The key is to do it methodically with support. From aligning with frameworks like the GHG Protocol and Science-Based Targets to choosing the right technologies, partners, and funding models. This is where Wattstor comes in. Our expertise isn’t limited to energy storage; we provide comprehensive, fully funded solutions that help you navigate regulatory complexities, secure stakeholder buy-in and achieve tangible results.
Ready to transform your energy landscape? Contact Wattstor today. Let’s chart a path to greater independence, resilience and profitability.