Staff could help firms save �38m on energy bills, says Carbon Trust

Engaging employees in cutting energy use, paper waste and travel has the potential to save the average East of England business up to 15% of their energy bill or �6,000 per year – equivalent to powering 3.5km of street lights for a year.

Larger businesses can save �150K and over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, the Carbon Trust said adding that each individual employees’ efforts can amount to carbon emissions reductions (220kgs CO2) equivalent to heating the average household for a month.

The new findings coincide with the launch of a new online office tool called “Carbon Trust Empower” from the Carbon Trust, which it said could save UK businesses and public bodies �500m on energy bills and 2m tonnes of CO2.

Staff can explore energy saving opportunities throughout their office – starting by considering how they arrive for work, with options to join a company carpool or travel by public transport, before moving on to their desk, where they can commit to switch off their PC when not in use, print double-sided, and teleconference rather than travel.

The virtual journey also helps staff cut energy waste in other parts of the office, such as the reception area, kitchen, corridors and toilets.

Richard Rugg, director of Carbon Trust programmes, said: “Companies often struggle to harness the huge energy savings that an effectively engaged workforce can help deliver.

“Part of the problem employers face is making actions practical, fun and sustained. By creating a virtual tour entirely from an employee’s viewpoint, every aspect of Empower has been designed with the end-user in mind.”

Companies can encourage their staff to sign up to energy saving for free at www.carbontrust.co.uk/empower. Companies interested in tailoring the software for their own business should call the Advice Line on 0800 085 2005.