Firms ignoring energy efficiency measures

Research by British Gas Business (BGB) suggests that the majority (70%) of UK businesses are not currently considering investing in energy-efficiency measures, putting organisations at risk from rising prices and the costs of complying with carbon regulation.

BGB estimates that the average annual business energy bill is £25,000, and energy costs comprise one-fifth of a company’s operational running costs. These costs are rising, with recent volatility in the energy markets seeing power prices increase by 30% during the past six months alone.

It recommends taking a range of low-and no-cost measures, such as monitoring energy use, installing energy-efficiency devices or technology and analysing data, to better manage consumption.

According to BGB, these can quickly save 10% on energy bills. More expensive solutions, such as installing building controls or microgeneration equipment, can save a further 20%, it estimates.

As well as cutting energy bills, improving energy efficiency can also reduce the financial burden imposed on organisations covered by the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency scheme.

“The combination of rising costs, tough targets and complex regulation is a potent mix. But simple steps, and a range of low- and no-cost options can make the difference,” says BGB managing director, Kanat Emiroglu.

Meanwhile, the Carbon Trust claims that small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK could collectively save nearly £400 million a year in energy costs, and more than 2.5 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions, by reducing their carbon footprints and certifying their efforts under its Carbon Trust Standard.