More than 99.9% of all UK businesses are classed as SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises), meaning they have 250 or fewer employees. Government figures show a total of 5.58 million SMEs currently active in the UK and small businesses (those with 0-49 employees) total 5.5 million, making up 99.2% of total businesses.
A recent survey showed that half of small businesses calculate their carbon emissions, while 60% have plans to reduce their carbon impact. However, two-thirds of small business owners were worried that they don’t have the right skills or knowledge to take action citing a lack of skills, knowledge and time. Our CarbonNow carbon audit can take the pain out of calculating and help SMEs on the road to Net Zero.
Almost a third of small firms highlight the cost of energy as a barrier to the growth and success of their business. Finding energy efficiency savings is the single best way of reducing these costs over the long-term
The average SME could reduce its energy bill by 18-25% by installing energy efficiency measures with an average payback of less than 1.5 years. And it is estimated 40% of these savings would require zero capital cost.
For a company with a 5% profit margin over 3 years, a £500-a-year saving from energy efficiency makes the same profit as £30,000 of extra sales.
Heating costs increase by approx 8% for every 1-degree c. increase. Turning down the thermostat by 2-degrees would save £140 on a £1000 electricity bill.
Reducing energy use doesn’t always mean spending a lot. Businesses can cut costs through low to medium-cost measures such as replacing lights or heating systems or encouraging employees to change their behaviour.
By adding occupancy sensors to its store area and toilets, an electronic components manufacturer is saving £813 and 5 tonnes of CO2e a year. The initial £225 investment paid for itself in three months.
An engineering firm is now saving £596 and 3.5 tonnes of CO2e a year just from implementing a ‘Switch Off’ campaign to ensure all office computers are turned off at the end of the day and at weekends
Upgrading old spotlights with more efficient LEDs in communal areas is saving a medium-sized hotel £1,533 and 10 tonnes of CO2e a year. The energy-saving measure paid for itself in just under a year and, due to the longer life of LEDs, requires less maintenance than its previous lighting.
To discuss a Carbon Audit for your SME get in touch to arrange a no-obligation call, today.
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Source: SME Guide to Energy Efficiency
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