Audits help businesses save on energy costs

2nd April 2014

A series of energy audits have been held to help manufacturing businesses save on their energy bills.

NatWest has launched an Energy Efficiency programme in the north of England. The programme has been rolled out in partnership with Mentor, the bank's business consultancy service. Over 60 businesses with an annual energy spend of between £10,000 and £200,000 a year took part in the pilot, achieving an average projected potential saving of £23,000. This includes annual savings on payments as well as potential refunds from overpaid energy bills. Mark Eastwood, Head of Manufacturing for Commercial Banking at NatWest and RBS, said: -Manufacturing businesses could be missing out on renewable energy opportunities simply because they do not know they exist. -The audits look at the behaviours of businesses from helping them tackle the small things like encouraging staff to switch off lights and appliances, as well as implementing energy saving initiatives such as better insulation and equipment to regulate energy flow into buildings. A survey carried out by the bank at the end of 2013 showed that although 85% of businesses agree that the rise of energy costs is a concern, less than a quarter carry out regular reviews of their energy (every 7-12 months). The research also showed that 96% of respondents were on the standard energy tariff with only 11% generating their own energy through renewable technology. According to the survey, 54% of manufacturing businesses had not considered renewable energy and many cited time as the biggest barrier. Sam Perry, Director of Commercial Banking at NatWest in Leeds said: -Businesses could be spending more than required on energy, which is why we are rolling out the programme to all businesses across the UK and helping them to make more informed decisions about their energy use. Something as simple as checking your business is on the correct energy tariff could make a huge difference. Audits look at three main areas of energy including efficiency and use, how businesses are buying their energy are they on the correct tariff and whether there is an opportunity for them to produce their own energy through renewable technology. Audits aim to highlight immediate, medium and long-term opportunities for businesses, guidance on what to do next and estimated costs, savings and payback periods. For more information speak to your Relationship Manager, call 0800 529 8082 (Minicom: 0800 634 7008), go to www.natwestmentor.co.uk/services/energyaudit or Email info@mentor.uk.com