Energy efficiency campaign applauded but support falls short in key areas - Chamber

While businesses across Birmingham are welcoming of the new energy efficiency campaign launched by the government, there remains significant concerns about the shortfalls in the Government 's support offered to businesses.

The campaign, targeted at small and medium sized businesses, will offer guidance on the practical measure 's organisations can implement to create significant savings whilst also cutting emissions, such as installing light and heating timers, to turning down boiler flow temperatures.

It follows the launch of the government 's £18 million 'It All Adds Up ' campaign last year which provided similar advice to households, saving them hundreds on their energy bills, and saw UK sales of 'draught protection products ' on eBay double shortly after launch.

GBCC Policy Advisor Kuran Singh said: “The Government has clearly identified that knowledge and understanding are key barriers in implementing environmentally friendly measures which can save businesses, particularly SME 's, significant sums of money. This comes at a time when all businesses feel persistent pressures as a result of the economic conditions, they currently operate in.

“However, whilst this campaign can be applauded for what it is trying to achieve, it is crucial that the businesses community be heard. The changes to the Energy Bill Discount Scheme remain hugely problematic, shifting more of the burden of high energy costs onto businesses who are fighting for survival. The government must reconsider the changes and go further in the support offered to businesses. ”

Businesses struggling with the transition to Net Zero can find valuable insight through the Chambers Sustainable Business Series.

Webinars and Q&A videos with business leaders, produced as part of the Sustainable Business Series, can be found here.