Saving energy boosts the bottom line

17 January 2007
Saving energy boosts the bottom line

Taking responsibility for your energy consumption also makes good business sense, explains British Gas Business commercial director, Adrian Harvey

Twelve billion pounds-worth of energy is wasted in the UK annually despite the Government's target to reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 60% from 1990 levels by 2050.

The hospitality industry is not at the forefront of energy efficiency. But why should it be?

Like any other industry you dedicate all your time to becoming as profitable as possible. Why should you invest time on saving energy?

As an industry you need to understand that becoming energy-efficient also makes good business sense. There's no reason why you can't do your bit for the environment and increase your margins.

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths customers will go to to save money on suppliers, but I am disappointed by how little time and effort is directed at energy efficiency.

By adopting simple low-cost and no-cost measures to reduce energy usage you can do your bit for the environment and save your business money. Reassessing energy use and finding ways to cut costs can slash 20% off the average annual energy bill.

Businesses can also reduce their Climate Change Levy payments by up to 80% by agreeing to simple targets (visit www.hmce.gov.uk).

Small businesses, especially, need to change the way they view their energy consumption. After all, energy efficiency leads to better business efficiency.

But the greatest benefits to your business will only come if you make this an issue for your company and take responsibility for your own power usage.

Some key tips are:

  • Label light switches, and encourage people to turn lights off by increasing awareness.
  • Make staff switch off computers and other equipment.
  • Have boilers professionally serviced annually.
  • Sealing doors and windows with inexpensive self-adhesive draught excluders can reduce heat loss by up to 10%.
  • Use air conditioning only on hot days when temperatures are higher than 25°C.

Recycling, energy conservation and waste reduction are essential practices for modern-day hospitality businesses. In 2006 it was estimated that the industry wastes £600,000 a year just by leaving hotel room TVs on standby

For more on green issues click here >>

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