A green focus can cut costs for firms

21 June 2010

Many will have celebrated the demise of Home Information Packs but they left one interesting legacy - the Energy Performance Certificate, which was a part of the pack and remains a requirement for all properties marketed for sale.

EPCs grade the energy efficiency of a property in much the same way as modern electrical appliances have ratings to help us make greener choices.

Environmental concerns now permeate many areas of our lives, be it recycling the weekend’s wine bottles or more formally in the business environment.

Lenders increasingly expect suppliers and partners to show initiative in these areas.The topic of environmental impact has gone from being a question at the back of a tenderto having its own section in many cases.

Working for a plc means it is high on the agenda in our boardroom and the good news is that action in this area can make a difference in a relatively short timeframe.

We have seen our energy consumption fall following the implementation of simple initiatives our staff are proud of.

The related benefit of lower costs is a welcome bonus.It feels good to be able to look my daughter in the eye when she comes home from school asking what I’m doing to save the planet this week.

We will owe the next generation more than just an explanation if we don’t act in this area so come on, start flipping those switches.

 

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