THERE are many different ways you can reduce your business energy bills and carbon emissions. You can improve your energy efficiency by designing more efficient processes, using more efficient equipment and changing employee behaviour. You could also save money by switching to alternative energy sources.
The Carbon Trust, a government-backed organisation which promotes the efficient use of energy, estimates that many businesses could cut energy costs by up to 20%.
Saving energy is the easiest way for you to reduce costs. You can also take advantage of tax incentives if you invest in energy-saving technologies and products.
Using energy efficiently within your business can provide a number of benefits. Not only will you help to protect global energy reserves and reduce your environmental impact, but you will also save your business money.
The main advantages of using energy more efficiently are that you'll save money; reduce your overhead costs; gain a competitive edge over your more wasteful competitors; and improve your reputation among customers, suppliers and employees.
Other reasons to use energy efficiently include creating an improved image. As a resource-efficient business, you're demonstrating that you recognise your responsibility towards the environment. This is likely to attract new customers to your business.
All businesses that use more than a domestic level of energy pay the climate change levy, an additional charge added to energy bills. The fewer units of energy used, the lower the tax paid. Tax incentives are available for businesses that buy and use energy-efficient technologies.
Saving energy is the easiest way for you to reduce costs. Making minor adjustments to the way that your business uses energy can make significant savings. A regular walkround of your business premises can help to identify the areas where savings could be made.
