Cut Costs or Cut Carbon: Energy Efficiency Kills Two Birds With One Green Stone

Posted on 30. Apr, 2009 by Ross in Corporate Policy

Energy efficiency projects are the most popular carbon dioxide emission-cutting measures being taken by businesses during the economic downturn, but the motivation is not as simple as saving the environment: businesses are saving energy to save money.

This is the obvious conclusion from npower’s annual Business Energy Index report, which recently surveyed the opinions of 300 small and large UK businesses on the topics of energy use and carbon emissions. 97% of respondents declared that they were more interested in reducing costs than carbon emissions. Bad news for green initiatives? Not entirely: 80% of businesses said that they are likely to increase energy efficiency measures as part of their cost-cutting plans - the highest level of interest in energy efficiency for 4 years.

The report’s respondents levelled considerable criticism at the UK Government’s role in saving energy as well. 68% considered it important that the UK helped lead the way in cutting global emissions and 88% backed the national emission reduction plans, but 83% thought that the Government’s target of an 80% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 was unrealistic. On top of that, 51% complained that the Government fails to offer useful advice on energy efficiency or carbon reduction.

Founded in 1991, Somar International is a UK-based company specialising in energy efficiency technologies for commercial/industrial operations. With proven and effective products including the energy-saving Eluma lighting system and the Integra electric motor controller, Somar can help cut businesses’ energy bills by up to 80%, thereby protecting the bottom line and cutting carbon emissions simultaneously. For a visual demonstration of one of our products, check out the BBC News report regarding how Rittal CSM saved 68% on their lighting bills with Somar Eluma.

Image by uniquebuildings at Flickr