Autumn is underway and a favourite season of many – with Halloween, bonfire night, Diwali and the lead up to Christmas a few of the calendar highlights. But ‘cosy season’ also brings cooler weather and darker days – both of which can sometimes make sustainable practices fall by the wayside, amidst the temptation to crank up the heating.  

So here are our tips for making sure Autumn is a sustainable season – in the workplace, and at home! 

Energy 

• Starting off with an easy one – turn off lights when leaving a room! Wherever possible, install motion sensors to automatically turn off lights that aren’t being used.  
• Don’t leave electrical items on stand-by – turn them off. While saving only a small amount of power, every little helps.
• By using radiator thermostats and reducing the temperature on your boiler, you can reduce your energy usage and your bill. 
• If you haven’t already, look at renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. A recent study showed that solar power has been the largest source of new electricity globally for the third consecutive year!
• Consider buying power on a renewable energy tariff; some or all of the units of electricity are matched by units generated by a renewable source. 

Waste 

• Do you really need to print that document? Consider using digital versions where possible and only print when necessary. 
• Could you bring your lunch to work in a re-usable container? Making your lunch instead of buying something plastic wrapped is not only better for the planet but your pocket too! Try and plan meals where possible to reduce waste. 
• Re-use, re-purpose, recycle – think before you throw. Can you use it again? Can you use it for another purpose? If not, can it be recycled? 
• Although buying second hand isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it gives products a longer life before landfill. This goes for the home and office. If having a re-vamp, why not try up-cycled office furniture?  
• Shop smart – opt for glass or cardboard packaging over plastic where possible as they’re easier to recycle. How many of your office supplies are recyclable? 

Environment 

• Think about walking or cycling for shorter journeys. This helps the environment as well as your wellbeing! Don’t forget your wellies for the puddles! 
• Consider draught excluders to avoid having to turn up the heating. 
• Try opting for manufacturers and suppliers who use sustainably sourced materials. This could be the copy paper you purchase being FSC approved, to health and wellbeing products containing sustainably sourced palm oil. If you could help save the orangutans and their homes, why wouldn’t you?!   
• Birds find it harder to find food at this time of year. Why not leave out some fat balls or seeds to make things a little easier through them during the Winter? 

When it comes to sustainability, a few small changes can have a big impact. 

For more advice on how your business can become more sustainable all year round, get in touch with our solar experts today. 

Thompsons Solar has helped a Lancashire farm to boost its renewable energy set-up, resulting in a reduction of both its energy bills and carbon emissions.  

Sough Pits Farm, a rural livery situated in Blackburn, asked our team to design a system that would incorporate its existing on-site renewables, add additional generation and provide battery storage for excess power generated.  

The farm has a high energy use, which was partially covered by the power generated by its existing small scale wind turbine. As a result, the client was looking for a way to maximise generation on site to cover as much of their energy consumption as possible. In addition to this, they wanted the ability to store excess power for use when neither technology was generating. 

A suitably sized battery storage system was included in the design which works with both the wind and solar installations to ensure maximum use on site. Any surplus power generated is then exported to the grid.

The system designed ticked all these boxes, giving the client a much greater independence from grid-sourced power.  

Technical information 

• Electrical consumption Prior to Solar installation: 67,000kW Hrs PA 

• Installed Solar Capacity: 42.4kW 

• Installed Storage Capacity: 85.2kWh 

• Projected yield from installed solar: 35,633kW hr PA 

• Net Rate of return on investment: 18.7% 

• System Performance warranties (manufacturer): 25yr 

The system was commissioned in May 2025, and the business is already seeing huge reductions on its electricity bills. Remote monitoring enables the system to be checked to ensure it is performing correctly over the lifetime of the installation.  

The system is predicted to payback in just over six years which equates to just under a 19% ROI. In addition to the financial aspect, the business has significantly reduced its carbon emissions. 

Client feedback 

I’m really pleased with the service I’ve received from the Thompsons Solar team. Jon took time to discuss battery storage with me and explain what my options were. Once a system had been agreed, they took care of everything and made sure they didn’t interfere with my business activities during the install. Since installation, they’ve helped me understand my export and offered advice on how to best manage my power. 

L Green, owner 

Want to power up your business with solar and achieve your green business goals? Get in touch with our team of experts today. 

A trusted partner to clients in the hotels and leisure sector, Thompsons was proud to be asked to transform 11 Georgian-style townhouses in Edinburgh’s Grosvenor Street, into The Hoxton brand’s first hotel in Scotland.

As the main contractor Thompsons headed up this exciting project, with our on-site management team co-ordinating and overseeing works, as well as providing a full electrical installation and joinery package including doors, casings, architraves and decorative panelling.

A high footfall of people within a building undergoing refurbishment can inevitably create logistical challenges, but at Thompsons our team is well experienced in the power of effective communication, liaising with the client, contractors and the hotel management to ensure the smooth delivery of works.

The result: a 214-bedroom boutique hotel which also features Italian restaurant Patatino, meetings and event spaces and a screening room. The stunning, vibrant interior designs that you’d expect from The Hoxton pay tribute to the local area, including the use of tapestries, Scottish textiles and a gorgeous mural by artist Verity Woolley.

It was a pleasure for us to work with AIME Studios and The Hoxton brand to combine our experience and expertise with theirs, and play a part in the creation of this beautiful hotel.