Become an energy-efficient business and save money
UK small businesses could save £7.7 billion by becoming more energy efficient
Just one in five small UK businesses has energy-efficient equipment in the workplace, according to recent research commissioned by a leading energy supplier. The research claims that UK small businesses could collectively save £7.7 billion by becoming more energy efficient.
Research findings
This figure is based on the results of a survey of 1,167 small businesses which found that just 21 per cent of respondents had energy-efficient equipment. Further results showed that 81 per cent of respondents had no energy monitor installed and 13 per cent of businesses left windows open while air conditioning was on.
The survey also found that almost all businesses in the finance (97 per cent) and professional services (91 per cent) sectors were unaware of the savings they could make through simple measures. Previous research has found that the majority of businesses believe leaving computers in standby mode uses less energy than switching them off completely.
Impact of becoming energy-efficient
Introducing small changes in behaviour, such as installing energy-saving equipment, light sensors and smart meters, can have a significant financial impact on businesses’ energy bills.
In separate research that was carried out in May 2011, the Carbon Trust found that UK small businesses could save £2,000 on average by taking carbon footprint reduction and certification measures.
It is worth noting, however, that the actual amount that any business can save depends on their size and energy-spend. The Carbon Trust estimates that on average, most small and medium-sized enterprises can save up to 20 per cent through cost-effective energy-efficiency measures.
There is a detailed environment & efficiency section on nibusinessinfo.co.uk which can provide you with information on making your business more energy-efficient. See their section on environment & efficiency.
Source: nibusinessinfo.co.uk
