Energy is a controllable overhead cost; savings go directly to increase profit and improve competitiveness. In addition, reducing energy use brings environmental benefits, which will meet growing public concern and increasing environmental legislation. Energy costs for energy efficient buildings and services can be 30-50% below average levels.
For businesses that have an annual energy spend of £50,000 or greater, the Carbon Trust are able to provide a free energy survey, which will provide detailed recommendations for reducing energy consumption.
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Description |
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1
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Understand where the energy goes – install Intelligent Metering to monitor your energy use.
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2
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Lighting – replace tungsten bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and fluorescent tubes with T8 to significantly reduce your costs.
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3
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Heating – use TRVs on radiators, insulate all pipework.
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4
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Air conditioning is very energy intensive – if possible, replace with natural ventilation.
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5
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Compressed air – undertake regular leak surveys and turn off idling compressors when not needed.
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6
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Motors and Drives – switch off when not needed! An 11W motor left running at weekends will waste almost £2,000 of energy per year.
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7
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Renewables – grants are available for renewable energy systems.
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8
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Draw up an Energy Action Plan - set ambitious targets and implement actions
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9
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Communicate! Keep communication simple and aspirational, and involve all staff members.
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10
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Implement an Environmental Management System, for example BS 8555, ISO 14001 and EMAS. This will help you comply with environmental regulation and make continuous improvements in your environmental performance.
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