University launches roadmap for SMEs to reduce energy consumption

WMG, at the University of Warwick, has launched an Energy and Net Zero Roadmap called Business Energy Aid Toolkit (BEAT), to help manufacturing small, medium enterprise (SME) companies reduce their energy consumption, save on costs and increase profitability.

In response to the current energy crisis, WMG, specialising in driving innovation in science, technology and engineering, has assembled a team of engineers and business specialists dedicated to helping SMEs.

The work they will deliver through BEAT involves a thorough review of SMEs manufacturing energy consumption, including looking at their operational efficiency to provide a detailed assessment with a set of energy saving recommendations.

BEAT was set up ahead of the government 's announcement on the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses.

According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the UK private sector comprises largely of non-employing businesses and small employers. SMEs account for 99.9 per cent of the business population (5.6 million businesses).* Therefore, improving energy efficiency has an important role to play in delivering affordable, sustainable and secure energy for the UK.

WMG ran a successful pilot programme in October 2022, working with three companies who have already yielded great success, with energy savings of up to 90 per cent on individual machines and up to 46 per cent in the overall production facility. Results show that there has been considerable cost savings for the companies that has also helped them to kick start their journey to net zero.

In addition to energy saving recommendations, BEAT will also advise on what the likely return on energy saving infrastructure investments would be and where companies can look to for further help with investment.

The programme uses proven tools and techniques such as a combination of monitoring equipment including energy clamps which enable detailed analysis of the energy used by individual machines, and value stream maps to illustrate beneficial saving.

For example, it could be as simple as energy saving advice or it could be as complicated as a full data gathering audit for how a company is using energy in processes. For high energy using companies the WMG team can offer advice on how to use waste heat at a low cost to lessen energy costs.

Christopher Wells (pictured), project lead at WMG said, “The Energy and Net Zero Roadmap - Business Energy Aid Toolkit, is a value-based programme for manufacturing SMEs. We recognise that companies need help and assistance in reducing their energy consumption and not just reducing the price they pay per KWh.

“Our team are dedicated to helping manufacturing businesses save energy and increase profitability. This not only helps to preserve our rich manufacturing base but helps companies and the UK move toward net zero targets.

“Furthermore, we 've always been at the forefront of helping manufacturers maximise the use of innovation. That is why we are working with companies to maximise the use of innovative techniques in areas such as the field of heat recovery, taking a more transformative step such as introducing new or replacement technologies or business practices. This has never been more important than in the case of energy usage reduction. ”