Businesses have been advised that making small changes to their energy usage could add up to significant reductions in their energy bills, by a recent report by energy saving experts. According to the joint report by the Energy Saving Trust (EST)and the Environment Agency, the potential savings could amount to a massive 3.5 billion pounds.

Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Management, spoke to This Is Money about the issue. She commented ‘said ‘climate change cynics need to recognise the business case for going green.

‘A typical employer is likely to use excessive amounts of paper, ink and electricity. If so, a few simple changes, such as printing double-sided or turning off computers at the end of each day could save money.’

Advances in technology can be harnessed to cut energy expenditure and boost a business’s green credentials. Instead of travelling long distances to meetings companies could try video, web or teleconferencing, which would save them time, money and carbon dioxide emissions.

Companies should monitor improvements on a month by month basis and give themselves targets to ensure progress. This should also help to identify problem areas or further energy saving measures.

DEFRA released figures which outlined that business is the biggest contributor to CO2 waste in the UK. Their emissions added up to 191 million tons or 35% of UK carbon emissions in 2007.

Going green with energy usage could benefit business in more ways than simply cost and emission reduction. Research by recruitment experts has found that there is a link between corporate sustainability and employee engagement, as green energy issues are of increasing importance to employees

Monster has been one of several firms to dedicate a section of is careers site to job listings with environmentally friendly companies, highlighting the importance of CSR in the recruitment process.

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