Green Energy Tips Could Save Businesses Billions

Businesses could make massive savings on their energy consumption by introducing some simple energy saving measures, a new report has found. The joint report by the Environment Agency and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) advises that businesses could save up to 3.5 billion pounds per year.

Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, echoed this sentiment. Speaking on This Is Money she said ‘climate change cynics need to recognise the business case for going green.

‘A typical employer is likely to use excessive amounts of paper, ink and electricity. If so, a few simple changes, such as printing double-sided or turning off computers at the end of each day could save money.’

Advances in technology can be harnessed to cut energy expenditure and boost a business’s green credentials. Instead of travelling long distances to meetings companies could try video, web or teleconferencing, which would save them time, money and carbon dioxide emissions.

Companies should monitor improvements on a month by month basis and give themselves targets to ensure progress. This should also help to identify problem areas or further energy saving measures.

Business is currently the biggest contributor of carbon waste in the UK, according to figures released by DEFRA (Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs). Total emissions total 191 million tons of carbon in 2007, equivalent to 35% of the UK’s total emissions.

Going green with energy usage could benefit business in more ways than simply cost and emission reduction. Research by recruitment experts has found that there is a link between corporate sustainability and employee engagement, as green energy issues are of increasing importance to employees

Many recruitment websites now have a dedicated section of their website for companies with environmentally friendly policies and practices, highlighting the prevalence of CSR issues in the minds of employees.