The Carbon Trust is urging small businesses in the construction industry to make climate change more of a priority for their organisation as new research reveals that only a fifth of small businesses in this sector believe that climate change will have a major effect on their organisation in the next five years.
Figures released from the Carbon Trust show that while 60 percent of small businesses in the construction industry are taking steps to cut carbon emissions and become more energy efficient,climate change is ranked near the bottom of their list of priorities.
Those businesses not taking action claimed that a lack of information and not knowing how to approach the issue was preventing them from doing anything,whilst others also felt that there was no point in taking any steps to cut carbon emissions as their contribution would not make a difference.
Dr Garry Felgate from the Carbon Trust commented:“While many small businesses in the construction industry are already taking action, more need to realise that climate change will have an impact on their operations. The extreme weather conditions that climate change can cause and the associated higher insurance premiums,coupled with legislation introduced to mitigate climate change,will affect business.More companies need to act now.
“Businesses will soon see the benefit if they start taking measures to mitigate climate change –they will be helping not only the environment but also their bottom-line as cutting carbon and energy use will save them money. Even small changes can make a difference. If businesses are unsure of what to do,the Carbon Trust can help.” The Carbon Trust offers a range of different services for businesses.This includes a free Carbon Trust Energy helpline(0800 085 2005)that provides advice to callers on how they can save money through energy efficiency.
Some businesses can also receive an interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan,to replace existing equipment with more energy efficient versions.Businesses can be awarded a loan of up to £100,000 to purchase equipment such as lighting,boilers or insulation.
To be eligible,companies must be able to save at least £1,000 per year of their energy use.
Businesses can also apply to the Carbon Trust for an Energy Survey, where a specialist consultant carries out a review of energy use for a site and then produces a practical action plan.Surveys are subject to availability and eligibility.
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There is an obvious need for the industry to be more energy efficient and pay more attention to the ways in which energy is both used and wasted. Do you think we have the products on the market to meet our needs?
