Business today is increasingly conscious of the issues of climate change and the subsequent need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. We are also seeing spiralling costs of energy and an increase in our consumption of energy. In the UK and across Europe we are growing ever more reliant on imported oil and gas with a corresponding increase in risks to our energy supplies. All of these issues are adding to pressures on UK business in the aim to remain competitive in a global market place.
A major way that business can respond to these challenges is to reduce the wasteful use of energy in buildings. It is estimated that business could save 15 - 20% on their energy bills through implementing simple cost-effective measures to improve energy efficiency. This not only reduces carbon emissions but contributes to improved overall business operations.
On 2 March the IoD lunched a new initiative at a breakfast seminar ‘Energy Efficiency: Cutting Costs in an Economic Recovery’. This new initiative provides businesses with energy efficiency information and advice that is needed in order to comply with new regulations and cut energy costs.
During the event the IoD released the results from a survey, commissioned in association with energyrethinking, the energy-saving community. The survey asked over 1,000 IoD’s members about their attitudes towards energy efficiency within the workplace. The survey found that 61 per cent of respondents believed that they could save money or cut costs by implementing energy efficiency measures. Furthermore, 66 per cent indicated that rising energy costs were the biggest driver to explore energy efficiency measures. The figures show that the cost incentive involved in implementing these measures is real and that executives are willing to explore energy efficiency within their business.
“It is really encouraging to see so many people willing to change their habits in order to become more energy efficient,” said Chris Dodson, Chairman of IoD South, speaking at the event. “We need to harness this enthusiasm to help businesses commit to greener practices. However, the cost barriers in place at the moment deter people from making that kind of commitment. This is a real problem facing the future of energy use.”
Chris Dodson and Fraser Winterbottom, Chief Operating Officer at the Energy Savings Trust were joined by Paul Turner, Head of Sustainable Development at Lloyds TSB and Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams Brewery, to debate the various challenges and best practice strategies for implementing energy efficient solutions.
energyrethinking provides advice and information to British businesses, as well as consumers, on how to save energy and save money. For more information on the project please visit: http://www.energyrethinking.org/employers. Specific advice for businesses can also be found at the IoD website.
IoD Policy exists to advance the case for business in Government, the media and other influential areas.
Policy Team