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Identify energy saving measures for your business with BEST

Launched at the back end of 2018, BEST, aimed at identifying ways of reducing energy costs and carbon footprint, is really starting to gain momentum with businesses across the region.

Working with SMEs across Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland, and funded through European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), BEST has been able to identify cost saving measures for a range of business types through its fully funded Energy Audit, carried out by delivery partner and energy specialists, Narec DE. Examples include small engineering companies to galleries, food businesses and manufacturing, to name but a few.

David Orr, Energy Officer from BEST reports “There is a real appetite from businesses to understand how they can drive down their energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. The BEST energy audit is ideal in this respect, as we can detail each opportunity for the business, and identify the most suitable technology or change required to help them reduce their energy use. The report is tailored to meet the needs of the business, and can focus on certain production lines, or buildings, or we can provide an analysis of the biggest energy uses on the site, and give the business guidance on how they can be improved. Some of those improvements can be low cost or no cost, and can make a big difference to a business’s energy bill.”

David continues, “Since we launched around 6 months ago, we’ve also seen clients moving quickly to implement the recommendations in the report, such as upgrading the lighting, improving their heating systems, and installing solar panels on the roof to generate electricity, as the business benefits are clearly detailed in the report. We’ve also helped engineering and manufacturing firms assess their energy use and worked with them to identify more energy efficient equipment that meets their business needs.”

As part of the BEST project, eligible SMEs can go on to take advantage of funding through the project towards capital expenditure on measures recommended in the report. A grant of a third can be provided where expenditure ranges from £1000- £25000. This can range from the likes of:

• Replacing older inefficient lighting with new energy-efficient LED lighting
• Boiler replacement
• IT servers
• Production equipment
• Lighting and heating controls
• Motors and fans
• Ventilation and air-conditioning
• Improvements to the fabric of the business premises to reduce heat-loss
• Fridges and chilling equipment

The interest so far in the BEST project has been really encouraging, and BEST are looking forward to working with SMEs across the north east to help them reduce their energy costs, and help them on their journey towards a sustainable future. If you are interested in reducing your energy costs, go to BEST to find out more, fill in the simple online form and the BEST team will get in touch.

As part of a wider green agenda, businesses are invited to join BEST at Go Green to Grow.

Go Green to Grow is a forthcoming event on the 19th July at the Urban Sciences Building in Newcastle. The event is aimed at businesses who are interested in exploring how adopting green practices can have a positive influence to grow their business.

The event will focus around 3 key themes:

• What is ‘green’ business and why is important
• What are the opportunities that being more green in your business can open up
• How to market green credentials to win more business and boost your brand

There will also be a range of partners attending to showcase the support their provide, all within the green/ sustainable business space.

The event is free to attend, however places are limited. You can book your place by clicking here.

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