Being kinder to the planet can save costs for your business

Reducing the impact of your business on the environment not only has a positive impact on the planet; it could save you money too.

By ensuring your company is more energy efficient, you are reducing your carbon footprint and your bills along with it.

Grant Seaton, Senior Commercial Manager at The Cumberland, explained: “Businesses across Cumbria are under the same pressures as domestic clients, with energy bills rising at a colossal rate.

“However, as you look to make savings there are a number of simple steps which will not only help lower your bills, but which will also make you a step closer to becoming a green business.

“The Cumberland is proud to have been a strategic partner of Cumbria Tourism since the scheme was first introduced. They have produced a useful guide of ideas and suggestions to help you take the next steps.”

Cumbria Tourism recently launched its Sustainability Toolkit, part of the Low Carbon Lake District 2 Project which is funded by the UK European Structural and Investment Fund Programme, aimed at providing the tourism sector with handy hints on being green.

Gemma Proctor, Cumbria Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Officer, said: “Our toolkit has already been hugely well-received by businesses looking to understand more about more sustainable working practices.

“Our toolkit won’t just help you reduce your impact on the planet, but also to cut your costs and even develop new unique selling points.

“We have a range of real-life examples and expert advice on reducing your carbon footprint, as well as the opportunity to chat with other businesses who are already on this journey.”

Top tips to reduce your carbon footprint and your budget:

• LED lights – they last much longer than halogen or tungsten and cost a fraction of the price.
• Labelling your lights – while it might sound obvious, if all switches are labelled correctly you will end up cutting down on the number of lights switched on by accidents in areas no one is in.
• Sensor lights – While taking into account how long people are in different areas, lights could be set on automatic sensors. This is particularly suitable for corridors and toilet facilities.
• Heating – ensure rooms are set at the recommended 19C, but set corridors, store rooms and areas of high physical activity lower.
• Draught proofing – up to 30 per cent of your heating bill can be reduced by stopping cold air entering your building.
• Thermal insulated blinds – this will both help prevent cold air coming in, but also ensure heat generated is not lost by windows.
• Layout – Make sure your heaters and radiators are not blocked by desks or filing cabinets, so their heat is felt throughout the room.
• Switch it off – make sure staff switch off monitors when leaving the office for the day, or if going out for a period of time. In addition, make someone responsible for ensuring all communal equipment – such as coffee machines, photocopiers, kettles etc – are switched off at the end of the day.
• Swap it – upgrade inefficient old equipment to more efficient items. Where possible, provide staff with laptops rather than desktop computers as they are much cheaper to run.
• Install a smart meter – this will allow you to monitor your consumption, and make changes based on your own information.
• Government support – if you run your business from a domestic premises you can apply for a Green Deal finance loan. Alternatively, if you’re looking to install renewable energy technologies you may be eligible for long-term income via Feedin Tariff (FiTs) and/or Renewable Heat Incentive Schemes (RHI). These make the payback period shorter.
• Grey water recycling – Water from baths, showers or laundries can be recycled to flush toilets or water gardens (areas where drinkable water is not required). Grey water recycling also reduces sewerage charges by reducing the total water output from your business.

To find out more, visit the Cumbria Tourism website.