Small businesses are responsible for half of all business carbon emissions and represent 50% of the business comunnity’s energy consumption, costing nearly £6 billion a year. Finding time to focus on energy is a real problem for most small business, but the crucifying costs of gas, oil and electricity will force this issue up the agenda.
Most businesses could quickly cut their heating, lighting and power bills by at least 10% without any capital investment whatsoever. Savings of 20% are possible with a little investment (which can have the same positive effect as a 5% increase in sales) and some companies have managed to cut their energy bills in half. Big savings, but how do you actually make them?
Many of the changes that save money are simple common sense. Turn off lights in empty rooms and corridors (especially at the end of the day) and save up to 15% of your lighting bill. Use energy efficient lightbulbs and make sure you only use the light you need – burning extra bright lights in corridors is wasteful. Remove or switch off alternate fittings. Keep windows and skylights clean and clear and make the most of daylight. Even cleaning light fittings annually improves lighting efficiency, and means fewer lights need to be turned on.
Consider the heating bill. Costs rise by 8% for every one degree increase in temperature, so set the thermostat at around 19 degrees C. What is the point of heating unused space? Storerooms, corridors and areas where people undertake heavy physical work can be set to lower temperatures. Remember to reduce heating during holidays and weekends. Do not block radiators with furniture, boxes etc. otherwise output will be reduced. Use thermostats and check that they are positioned out of draughts and away from cold or hot spots. Keep windows closed in winter, if it gets too warm simply turn down the heating. Lag pipes and service boilers as required. You need to be aware of your energy consumption, so check this regularly and make sure you pay for what you actually use and not an estimate.
Small companies can get free advice from the Carbon Trust Energy Helpline (0800 085 2005) www.carbontrust.co.uk. The Carbon Trust is a government funded independent company that works with UK business to cut carbon emissions. Firms can request basic information right through to in-depth technical questions about particular technologies. It also gives out detailed sector guides for many different tybes of business including shops, offices and factories. The Carbon Trust offers interest free loans (£5,000-£400,000) to small and medium enterprises in the UK that are investing in energy efficient equipment. Larger companies, with energy bills over £500,000 can obtain free surveys which provide practical advice on energy saving opportunities.
By reducing overheads you automatically improve the competitiveness of your business. There are also other benefits. Many customers positively discriminate in favour of green companies so you may enhance your reputation and gain extra work. You will also be playing a small part to reduce global warming and with the government promising to grasp the nettle on climate change, will be in a stronger position to meet future challenges.
