SMEs missing out on £7.7bn by ignoring energy efficiency measures

The UK’s small businesses are missing out on £7.7 billion by ignoring energy efficiency measures, according to new research by E.ON.

Almost 4 million small businesses are currently energy inefficient and only one in five UK SMEs have energy efficient equipment in the workplace.

E.ON says the results disclosed small businesses are failing to implement key measures to reduce energy usage and save money:

• Almost nine out of 10 (86%) don't have lighting timers or motion sensors in their workplace;
• 13% admit to leaving the windows open when the air conditioning or heating is on;
• Eight out of 10 (81%) don't have an energy monitor installed in the office although 15% have a smart meter.

Mike Jones, MD at IEC, said: “E.ON’s research showed that the financial and services sectors were particularly energy inefficient.  Although we work mainly in the manufacturing sector, we know that many businesses are spending more than necessary on energy. By focusing on reducing energy consumption and changing the attitudes and behaviours of employees, we know it is possible to see cost savings within a relatively short space of time.”

For more information on IEC’s energy efficiency services, please get in touch or find out more about E.ON’s research here.