During the last 12 months, many local businesses have suffered from soaring energy bills.
With increases of 70 per cent and even 100 per cent in this area not uncommon, I thought local firms may find the following simple energy efficiency tips helpful.
If you can't measure it, you can't manage it - take your own meter readings, don't just rely on your bills being accurate, work out what you consume weekly and set a reduction target, and make sure that any estimated bills reflect what you actually use.
Use only the light you need - turning off lights in empty rooms and corridors can save up to 15 per cent on your lighting bill.
Don't heat unused space, and set the thermostat at 19C - costs rise by eight per cent for every 1C increase.
For more help and advice contact the Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005 or visit carbontrust.co.uk KARL BROOKES Energywatch Business team
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