Small businesses are wasting over £1 billion a year by not taking simple steps to save energy, a new report out has shown.

Simple energy saving steps, such as turning off lights and computers are being ignored, wasting companies thousands of pounds a year despite soaring energy prices.  The study, carried by the Institute of Directors, covered over 500 British companies and found that 60% do not have an energy saving programme.

With business activities making up 40% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, a robust energy saving plan could save companies a significant amount of carbon, not to mention money.  The carbon and financial saving could soon add up, as a recent report by the Carbon Trust revealed:

• By switching lights off in empty rooms, firms could cut their lighting costs by 15%
• Turning thermostats down by one degree could cut 8% off heating bills
• A single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day will cost £50 a year