Benn recommends business energy efficiency measures

Date: 4th November 2009

Partnerships and other smaller UK businesses could strengthen their financial positions by imposing simple energy-saving measures, a government minister has said.

Hilary Benn, the environment secretary, said that efficiency measures such as turning computers off rather than leaving them on standby would help firms to face the "challenging" economic conditions.

According to figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, a total of £6.4 billion could be saved each year if all firms adopted the money-saving measures.

Other steps include cutting down on waste, fixing dripping taps, turning down thermostats and only turning lights on when needed.

Mr Benn said: "Businesses are facing challenging times, today more so than ever, so finding ways to save money makes a lot of sense."

He added: "Sustainability is the key not only to the environment but to business success. Now is the time to shape our businesses of the future."

WRAP research shows that 47 per cent of UK businesses acknowledge that they could save over £100,000 each per year by increasing their energy efficiency.