Small and medium-sized businesses across Britain are missing out on energy-efficiency savings according to a new Scottish Power survey which has revealed only 1 in 10 claim to have decreased their energy consumption over the past year.
The YouGov survey also found that over 60 per cent of SME business owners do not regard energy efficiency in the workplace as a key priority, while more than half of SME business owners do not have any active measures in place to try to be energy smarter.
Meanwhile, Scottish Power has joined forces with the Carbon Trust to help more businesses take control of their energy outgoings and make effective savings.
The partnership will bring to market new energy-efficiency tools and an online resource to help more firms improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy costs and become more sustainable.
A Scottish Power spokesman, said: “Many businesses we talk to admit they could be doing more, but are put off because they believe that steps to incorporate energy efficiency into their business will be time consuming and difficult.
“We’re keen to work together with businesses and the Carbon Trust as part of this innovative new partnership to understand how we can help break down some of these barriers.
“Making smarter energy choices makes perfect business sense and will help firms to become more sustainable and efficient, while reducing bills which could allow investment elsewhere.”
The YouGov survey of 1,000 UK SME business owners, also found that half of all SMEs do not have measures in place to encourage employees to switch off electrical equipment and lights at the end of the working day, while only 1 in 10 SMEs carry out an energy audit each year
According to the Carbon Trust many SMEs can save up to 30% on their energy costs this way.
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