Make energy efficiency the New Year’s resolution for your business

The New Year is nearly here and businesses are being encouraged to make a resolution to cut costs and improve their green credentials for 2018 and beyond.

Energy bills are traditionally at their highest at this time of year because the shorter daylight hours mean the lights are on for longer, and to keep warm in the colder temperatures we tend to have the heating on higher and for longer than in milder weather. For businesses, this can prove inefficient and costly as well as having a negative impact on the environment.

For a limited period of time, small and medium sized businesses can take the first step to achieving their energy saving resolutions by getting in touch with the Business Energy Efficiency (BEE) programme. With money secured from the European Regional Development Fund, BEE takes eligible businesses through a review process that can help to identify energy saving opportunities.

Eligible businesses can then opt to invest in capital projects that implement energy efficiency measures, with grants available up to a maximum of 25% or £20,000, whichever is lower.

Terry Henderson, Business Support Manager at Automated Systems Group Ltd, which received a grant from BEE, said: “It has been a pleasure working with the Business Energy Efficiency team, resulting in a much improved working environment and reduced carbon footprint.”

Automated Systems Group Ltd applied for a grant and, after completing installation of new LED lighting, received £5,246 (25% of total costs) from the programme. Changing the light fittings to LED will deliver an instant reduction in energy consumption, allowing the company to reduce carbon emissions by 2 tonnes and save approximately £2,500 in the first year alone.

Antony Gough, BEE Project Manager, said: “BEE can help make a real difference to both your environmental impact and bottom line. Our advisers can help you review your energy usage and understand where you can make savings. We can also support eligible businesses in applying for a grant to help implement some really effective energy efficiency measures.

“Our funding pot is limited and only available for a fixed period of time. I’d urge businesses to get in touch and find out if they are eligible sooner rather than later, so they don’t miss out.”

The project is being delivered by the environmental charity PECT, Groundwork and Nwes. To find out more please visit www.beecp.co.uk, email info@beecp.co.uk or call 01733 882549.