Member Article

North East businesses ‘most energy efficient’

The North East is leading the energy efficiency drive after a recent survey showed businesses in the region were spending more on going green than anywhere else in the country.

The average spend in the region was £4,750, significantly more than the countrywide average of £2,958 and five times more than companies in the South East.

Many companies in the region have recognised the benefits of undertaking efficiency measures and the survey, conducted by British Gas, shows than the majority of companies were already experiencing a return on their investment.

Kanat Emiroglu, managing director of British Gas Business said: “Rising Costs and growing legislative requirements for carbon reduction mean that businesses are facing huge pressures to become more energy efficient.

“These findings are encouraging as they suggest that despite tough economic conditions, many UK businesses are playing a long-game and investing in energy efficiency measures.”

However, there is still more work to be done, as the figures also indicate that 26% of retailers and 22% of business services do not plan to spend anything on energy efficiency.

Companies can take simple steps to become more eco-friendly, including encouraging positive behavioural changes in its employees, which can make a 10% cost saving. More long-term measures such as building controls, micro generation and energy efficiency technologies will not only help with costs, but will improve businesses’ reputations if they choose to comply with CRC legislation.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .