News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/energy-efficiency/uk-cross-party-inquiry-roadmaps-6bn-energy-cost-savings.html

UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne MP is set to unveil new research into how the private sector can save cash and carbon, while safeguarding the country’s future fuel security.

The study, produced as part of an inquiry by Carbon Connect, will advise on measures to reduce national energy demand and save up to £6bn a year in energy costs through adopting energy efficient measures.
Its recommendations focus on greenhouse gas reporting, project finance, skills, together with support to SMEs and the role of the commercial property sector.
The report cites how the Carbon Trust zero interest loan scheme has helped businesses in the UK become more energy efficient.
The Cavan Bakery in Middlesex is put forward as a case study in the report, which cut its gas consumption by 75 per cent through using the loan to buy new and more efficient ovens.
Liberal Democrat peer and co-chair of the inquiry Lord Teverson said, ‘With government leadership, businesses across the UK can increase their profit margins, while securing a low-carbon and fuel-secure future for the nation.
‘Now, more than ever before, we must reduce the amount of carbon we emit as a country – reducing energy consumption across the private sector is in both the private and public interest.’
The UK is legally committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent by 2020. Meanwhile, poor energy efficiency costs business £6bn a year in unnecessary energy costs, Carbon Connect said.
Julius Brinkworth, industry expert and co-chair of the inquiry, said, ‘UK business simply cannot afford to ignore the financial benefits of being energy efficient in such tight times. By being smarter about how and when we use energy, the private sector can start making sizeable savings within less than a year.’
Carbon Connect said the Energy Efficiency: The Untapped Business Opportunity report has cross-party support and backing across the private sector.