The Carbon Trust has estimated that businesses could save around £2.5 million if they employed energy-saving measures.

The Carbon Trust has revealed that UK businesses waste around £7 million a day on poor energy efficiency measures – however the majority (20%) are now putting carbon emissions at the top of their agendas, an action that could save them nearly £2.5m over the next 12 months.

The Trust, an independent company set up by the government to accelerate the move to a low-carbon economy, has discovered that businesses are responsible for around 40% – 22m tonnes worth – of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK.

Hugh Jones, Solutions Director at the Carbon Trust, said: “Our research shows that energy efficiency measures, not job cuts or salary freezes, are the cost-cutting steps businesses are considering first during this economically challenging time. It’s an encouraging sign that wise companies are realising that cutting carbon and being green is the easiest way to make a business lean.

“Our new statistics provide stark evidence that if companies are starting to feel the bite from the economic downturn, the first place to look for cost savings should be their energy bill. There are literally millions of pounds going out of the window every day, across the UK.”

Some of the energy-saving tips compiled by the Trust include:

- Switching off lights in empty rooms – an action that could save 15% on lighting costs.
- Maintaining equipment properly – without maintenance, heating equipment could be 10% more expensive.
- Not leaving equipment on standby – a single computer or monitor left on for 24 hours a day could cost over £50 a year.

According to the Trust, almost 70% of businesses are either considering cutting their energy expenditure or are actively doing so, while a third have said that carbon reduction has risen up their agenda over the last six months.

Click here for further information about the Carbon Trust.