16 March 2006
Many of the UK's growing businesses have been found to be unaware of the potential benefits of implementing energy efficiency measures.
PFK accountants and business advisers surveyed 400 growing businesses - the sector that uses around half of the UK's business energy.
It found that although 92% had suffered from rising fuel costs over the past year, 51% were unaware of the cost benefits open to them by becoming more energy efficient.
Toby Stephenson, partner for growing businesses at PKF, said: "Energy efficiency is no longer just a green issue but something all businesses should frequently review to curb the ever-increasing energy burden on both their costs and the environment. It is clear from the findings that many businesses could be doing a lot more to reduce their own energy costs and contribute to the national target for reduction in carbon emissions.
"It is worrying to find that, in spite of high levels of anxiety among respondents about rising fuel costs, 80% have not considered alternative sources and over half are not aware of government targets and benefits available to them in becoming energy efficient.
"Businesses must be encouraged to adopt a much more rigorous and sustainable approach to this issue to stop this 'frittering away' of energy."
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