Businesses urged to improve energy efficiency

As the recession rumbles on, some companies may be concerned about the pressure gas and electricity bills could be placing on their budgets.

In light of this, the government has urged firms to pay attention to their business energy efficiency, which could also see organisations reducing their carbon emissions and helping the environment.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs notes that it only takes a few simple steps for businesses to begin saving money on their gas and electricity bills.

Simple steps for big savings

The government has claimed that £6.4 billion could be saved by businesses every year if they take steps to improve their energy efficiency.

And the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has stated that 47 per cent of companies are aware that they could save over £100,000 simply by taking either low or no-cost action, such as switching off computers when not in use.

Furthermore, such measures could contribute as much as ten per cent to the UK's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2020.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: "Businesses are facing challenging times, today more so than ever, so finding ways to save money makes a lot of sense."

And Channel 4's Dumped guru and eco-design expert Rob Holdway added: "Simple steps such as turning off office equipment when it's not in use, can help businesses become financial fit and environmentally friendly."

Remembering power management

Jim Docherty, in an article for Public Technology, recently stated that power management is an important part of improving business energy efficiency.

He stated that one of the first departments to look at is that of IT, as it is likely to consume the most electricity.

Mr Docherty added that leaving computers on all of the time could have "serious cost and carbon implications", which may prompt organisations into making business energy efficiency a priority.