Are you wasting money on energy?

In the current economic climate every single penny counts for small businesses. Yet many firms are wasting needless money by not being as energy efficient as they should.

Companies are throwing away sums of money that are equivalent to the salary of several employees. A survey by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) found that business in the UK could save over £6bn by implementing some simple money saving steps. It was also estimated that some of the least efficient small businesses are wasting £100,000 a year.

Top sustainability tips for businesses:

1. Turn off all office equipment when you're not using it - overnight, at weekends and during bank holidays. Savings on just a single computer and monitor could be up to £35 a year.

Invest in efficient equipment to help cut your energy, transport and water costs

2. Cut lighting costs by as much as 15% by turning off lights in empty rooms and using energy efficient light bulbs.

3. A constantly dripping tap can cost your business about £400 per year. Make sure you turn off taps fully and fix any drips.

4. Save 4% of your turnover with waste management techniques, such as partnering with businesses to recycle waste or selling it to be used as raw materials.

5. Save 8% on your company's heating bill by turning the thermostat down by one degree.

6. Ask your suppliers about take-back schemes for unused products. You may be able to get your money back, or at least a portion of the cost.

7. Save up to one month's worth of fuel over a year with smarter driving techniques such as reducing load and good vehicle maintenance.

8. Invest in efficient equipment to help cut your energy, transport and water costs. Government support includes interest-free Energy Efficiency Loans delivered through the Carbon Trust.

9. To refill an inkjet cartridge costs about the half the price of a new one. Use email where possible, set out your PC to print double-sided and refill printer, fax and photocopier cartridges.

10. Always publicise your commitment to reducing your environmental impact. More than a third of consumers would favour recyclable products or those with minimal packaging.