Welsh SMEs to save £30m in one year by slashing energy

A campaign aiming to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Wales save £30m in one year by reducing energy consumption has been launched by Carbon Trust Wales.


The organisation is offering free support through a helpline, website, SME forum, numerous events and one-to-one carbon site surveys.

According to DECC estimations, 200,000 businesses in Wales have a combined energy bill of £1bn a year, and SMEs account for £300m of this total.

Carbon Trust Wales general manager Mike Batt said: “Reducing energy is not a fad, it’s not a marketing stunt, it makes genuine business sense because it saves money. There are many opportunities open to Welsh SMEs to help them save money and energy and implement the required changes, but they are often overlooked.

“There are some fantastic businesses in Wales and we know that if Welsh SMEs take this opportunity seriously, we could help them save £30m in 2013 which they could re-invest into their business.”

Businesses that sign up for a carbon survey will benefit from an expert review of their energy use. Areas where savings could be made are then identified and an action plan is produced to tackle unnecessary energy consumption.

Bottled water company Prince’s Gate has saved £145,000 by implementing measures recommended by Carbon Trust Wales.

The SME has invested in a grid connection to provide three-phase electricity which will replace diesel generator power and increase production. It also installed LED lighting, an energy efficient air compressor and a solar PV array to generate electricity.

Carbon Trust Wales general manager Mike Batt said: “Prince’s Gate is the perfect example of what Welsh SMEs can achieve if they make energy saving a priority. It saved £8,000 a year by installing LED lighting and a massive £100,000 a year by replacing its diesel generators.

“The business takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously but it is also saving money which it can plough into further strengthening its position in the market. We hope other SMEs can be inspired by what Prince’s Gate has achieved and join the campaign.”

Conor McGlone

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