Practical energy efficiency tips to help pig farms cut costs and meet Climate Change Levy standards

Energy costs are an unavoidable part of running a pig farm. With heating, ventilation, lighting, and water usage to consider, it can seem like the bills never stop coming in.

But what if small changes could help bring those costs down and also keep you compliant with the Climate Change Levy (CCL)? Meeting CCL standards doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s all about being smart with energy use. Here are some practical ways to make your farm more energy efficient, save on costs, and make sure you’re ticking the boxes for compliance.

Heating

Heating is vital on pig farms, but it’s often a major contributor to energy expenses.

Insulate well: Proper insulation in pig housing keeps warmth in, reducing the need for frequent heating. Adding insulation to walls, roofs, and floors can prevent heat loss, keeping barns at a stable temperature. Even minor insulation improvements can have a notable impact on reducing energy use over time.
Routine system maintenance: Like any equipment, heating systems need regular checks to ensure they’re running efficiently. Minor issues such as leaky valves or worn parts can create significant inefficiencies, so regular servicing helps keep energy use steady.
Zone heating: Rather than heating the entire barn, consider zoning your heating to focus only on areas where animals are housed. This allows you to maintain the warmth you need, only where it’s necessary, helping to reduce overall energy consumption without compromising comfort.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential to maintain air quality and animal welfare, but it doesn’t have to be energy intensive.

Energy efficient fans: Variable-speed fans are a smart choice for farms looking to cut energy costs. Unlike traditional fans that run at full power, variable-speed fans adjust to the airflow needs of the barn, saving energy without sacrificing effectiveness.
Natural ventilation: In warmer months, natural airflow can reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation. Simple adjustments, like installing well-placed vents, allow fresh air in and can reduce the need for powered fans, particularly in spring and summer.
Humidity Control: Keeping humidity levels stable reduces strain on ventilation systems. A simple dehumidifier or an automated control system can help maintain the right balance of airflow without overworking the system.

Lighting

Lighting is an easy area to optimise, and small adjustments can lead to meaningful savings.

Switch to LED Lighting: LEDs use around 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer, making them a smart, cost-saving investment. For example, switching just ten 60-watt incandescent bulbs to LEDs can save nearly £100 per year in electricity costs alone. LEDs also emit less heat, which reduces the need for cooling and further cuts energy expenses.
Motion Sensors and Timers: Installing motion sensors or using lighting schedules ensures lights are only on when needed. For areas that require constant lighting, set timers to switch off during daylight hours or low-activity periods, reducing unnecessary energy use.

Water heating

Water heating can be a significant energy expense, but with a few tweaks, you can improve efficiency and cut down on waste.

Insulate Water Pipes: By insulating water pipes, you prevent heat loss, meaning less energy is needed to keep water at the right temperature. This is particularly effective in colder months, when heat loss is more pronounced.
Efficient Water Heaters: Consider tankless water heaters, which only heat water as it’s needed. These heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional models, making them a suitable choice for farms that rely on frequent hot water use.

Tracking energy use

Monitoring energy use is one of the best ways to identify where savings can be made. By seeing exactly where energy is going, you can make adjustments that have an immediate impact on costs.

Install a Smart Meter: Smart meters provide real-time insights into energy usage, showing when and where most energy is used. This helps in identifying times to reduce consumption or shift certain activities to off-peak hours.
Review Your Usage Regularly: Regular checks on energy data can reveal unexpected patterns, highlighting areas to improve efficiency further. Small changes, based on your actual data, can have a surprisingly positive effect on overall usage.
Set Achievable Targets: By setting small goals for energy savings and regularly checking progress, you’ll start to see real changes without major upheaval. These can be anything from reducing heating times by 10% to lowering water heater use.

Exploring renewable energy options

Investing in renewable energy may not be everyone’s first step, but for some farms, it’s a long-term way to secure energy and reduce reliance on the grid.

Solar Power: For farms with good sunlight exposure, solar panels can offset a large portion of electricity costs. The initial cost can be mitigated with grants, and the panels often pay for themselves over a few years of steady use.
Biomass Heating: Biomass systems are suitable for farms that can use wood or crop waste as fuel, providing a sustainable source of heating. It’s worth looking into grants or incentives that may make the initial investment easier to manage.

Starting your energy efficiency plan

With so many ways to improve energy efficiency, it can be hard to know where to start. Questions like which changes will bring the biggest savings or how to balance costs with compliance can feel overwhelming. That’s where CLA Energy Services steps in to help you make sense of it all.

Our team brings clarity and support at every step, helping you find the energy-saving solutions that work best for your farm. We offer guidance on everything from selecting competitive energy contracts to exploring efficiency measures that are right for your setup. Whether it’s transitioning to LED lighting, choosing the right heating system, or even looking at renewables, we’re here to help prioritise changes that meet both your budget and sustainability goals.

Since our inception, we’ve been working with businesses like yours, committed to providing clear, honest advice that empowers

you to make smart energy decisions. With CLA Energy Services as your partner, tackling energy efficiency becomes manageable, allowing you to focus on running a successful, sustainable farm. Contact a member of our team to see how we can help you: 0808 164 6151 or energyservices@cla.org.uk.