Help the environment and save money: advice for small businesses

by S. C.

A United Kingdom Government campaign launched this week is offering small businesses simple tips from Defra and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on saving cash, carbon and water.

The top ten tips, which form part of the ‘Real Help for Businesses Now’ campaign, include:
- switching off computers and monitors - a single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day will cost over £50 a year. For a typical small office with 10 computers this could save over £300 per year;
- heating costs can go up by eight percent each time you increase the temperature by just one degree - keep heating at a constant level and ensure doors and windows are shut when using heating or air-conditioning; and
- using refillable printer, fax and photocopier cartridges – a refillable cartridge costs about half the price of a new one.

Lord Hunt, Minister for Sustainability, said: “By making a few simple changes, businesses can make a big difference to their bottom line. These are good, practical tips that businesses can follow easily to cut their costs as well as do their bit for the environment – a bonus in both the current economic and environmental climate.”