With the onset of winter, small business owners are being urged to consider ways of reducing the amount of energy they use and reduce their overheads in the process.

The Carbon Trust is warning that small firms are likely to see their bills increase over the winter months as lighting and heating costs escalate, and has produced a guide to help companies identify the main areas where they waste energy.

When you consider that lighting an office overnight wastes enough energy to make 1,000 cups of tea, the need for businesses to take action to improve the efficiency of their lighting has never been greater

The organisation claims that by implementing low and no-cost energy-saving measures businesses can cut bills by up to 30%, as well as reducing their carbon emissions.

“When you consider that lighting an office overnight wastes enough energy to make 1,000 cups of tea, the need for businesses to take action to improve the efficiency of their lighting has never been greater,” said Hugh Jones, solutions project director from the Carbon Trust.

“Implementing simple and low-cost energy saving measures such as cleaning windows, investing in energy-efficient lighting or making the most of the daylight, will help businesses avoid spiralling energy bills as well as ensuring that they are playing their role in the fight against climate change.”

The Carbon Trust offers the following tips to help companies reduce their energy bills:

  • Think before you flick the switch. Daylight may be fading but there are still about 10 hours of sunlight a day, so take advantage of the natural light by opening blinds and ensuring that windows areas are kept clear
  • Good housekeeping. Simple measures, such as ensuring that staff switch off lights when rooms are unoccupied, can reduce lighting costs by up to 20%
  • Keeping up appearances. Ensuring that lights and windows are regularly cleaned enables businesses to take full advantage of the natural light. If windows are dirty then employees are often forced to use electrical lighting
  • Staying in control. Lighting controls, such as those that have light sensors, can regulate lighting and provide substantial savings
  • Go for an upgrade. Replacing lighting with energy-efficient alternatives is an effective low-cost investment that can save you money and energy
To download the Carbon Trust's free energy efficiency guide, visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/publications