Energy
With rising fuel costs and increasing environmental taxation can you afford to ignore the business case for investing in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is proven, workable, cost effective and something that can be acted upon right now. With the UK low carbon goods and services sector valued at £107 billion, energy efficiency can also provide business opportunity.
The Carbon Trust estimates that many businesses could cut their energy costs by 20% through improved energy efficiency. Using energy more efficiently within your business can provide a number of benefits, including;
- Save your business money
- Reduce your overhead costs
- Enhance your businesses competitive edge
- Improve your reputation among your customers, suppliers and employees
- Help offset escalating fuel costs and environmental taxation i.e. Cliamte Change Levy
Did you know you are already paying a Climate Change Levy on your energy bills?
The government introduced the Climate Change Levy (CCL) to encourage businesses to become more energy efficient. The Climate Change Levy is already included on your energy bills. The more energy you use the higher the Climate Change Levy. To find out more about the Climate Change Levy go to the Environmental Legislation page.
There are a wide range of both national and local organisation which provide sector specific guidance on how to improve energy efficiency within your business.
The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust provides specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. They provide advice depending on your business size and sector. Click on the links below to their website for advice, financial support and self help resources.
Small Businesses (organisations with an energy spend up to 50K)
Medium Businesses (organisations with an energy spend between 50K - £3 million)
Large Businesses (organisations with an energy spend of £3 million plus)
Carbon Trust Customer Care 0800 0852005
Deltamech, a Norfolk based company which specialises in reducing costs and carbon emissions by reducing the consumption of energy of companies across all sectors of commerce and industry offer Carbon Surveys which are fully funded by the Carbon Trust and are free to any business whose energy costs exceed £30,000 / yr.
The Carbon Survey includes analysis of consumption and an action plan detailing specific energy saving opportunities. Interest free loans from the Carbon Trust can then be used to fund the energy saving opportunities identified.
As an independent consultancy, Deltamech offer impartial advice on all aspects of energy saving techniques and equipment including renewables, energy management, project design and specification, staff awareness and energy manager training.
To find out more information on the Free Carbon Surveys contact Deltamech on 01379 668870 or www.deltamech.uk.com
WRAP (Waste and Resource Action Plan)
WRAP offers free independent support to businesses on how to become more resource efficient and save money.
Resource Efficiency East
Resource Efficiency East provide generic 1-2-1 Business Resource Review that aims to help small to medium size enterprise identify opportunities to improve energy, water and material efficiency and reduce waste. Support is provided via an on-site visit, bespoke report and follow up support.
The Resource Review Tool will assist your business identify areas for improvement in the use of energy, water and materials, and the associated economic opportunites. The tool is a series of questions and answers from which a report is generated highlighting the opportunities for addressing resource use in your business.
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk County Council Environmental Advice for Businesses offer free and impartial environmental advice for Norfolk businesses. This support includes:
- Free and impartial advice on environmental and resource management, including energy, water and waste.
- On-site baseline environmental review of your business
- Access to expert advice on energy efficiency, waste minimisation, pollution prevent and legal compliance.
- Training workshops and seminars, which provide practical advice and the confidence to apply it to your organisation.
Contact a Business Advisor on 0344 8008004 or environmental.advice@norfolk.gov.uk
Energy Saving Trust
Employee Engagement is a service provided by the Energy Saving Trust to engage the UK's employees to save energy, reduce water use and reduce waste.
The employee engagement service can help companies with their CSR and environmental policies by providing staff with advice on what they can do in their own lives to reduce their carbon footprint. Educating staff about the benefits they can make in their own home will encourage them to adopt the same principles within the work place.
Download Energy Saving Trust Employee Engagement information leaft and registration
The Energy Saving Trust also provides energy doctor site visits, where by an expert can visit your workplace to provide advice and answer any questions your staff may have.
Business Link
Business Link provides business support and advice on how to improve your businesses environmental performance; sustainability in business; and pollution control.
Other sources of information.
Find out what Act on CO2 brand partners are doing to reduce their carbon emissions and how your business can reduce its own CO2 emissions.
Netgrets provide generic information on energy efficiency tips and measures.
Renewable Energy
Government Feed in Tariffs
Businesses in England, Wales and Scotland who install low carbon electricity generation could benefit from the governments Feed In Tarriffs, which came into force on 1st April 2010.
You will be paid up to 41.3 p/kWhr for every unit of electricity you generate, even if you use it yourself. You will also get an extra 3 pence/kWh for every unit that you don't use that is exported to the grid.
The tariffs are paid for 20 years, except solar systems which are paid over 25 years. These tariffs should cover the initial capital cost and earn a return of 8p.a. You can also benefit from a reduced electricity bill where you use the electricity that you generate rather than having to buy all you need from the grid.
You will be paid up to 41.3 p/kWhr for every unit of electricity you generate, even if you use it yourself. You will also get an extra 3 pence/kWh for every unit that you don't use that is exported to the grid.
The tariffs are paid for 20 years, except solar systems which are paid over 25 years. These tariffs should cover the initial capital cost and earn a return of 8p.a. You can also benefit from a reduced electricity bill where you use the electricity that you generate rather than having to buy all you need from the grid.
To find out more information, please visit the Feed in Tariff website
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