The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on the government to “untangle” energy efficient policies which overlap each other, in order to increase the uptake in sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, the CBI has urged UK-based companies to increase their energy efficiency activity in order to cut bottom line costs, manage risks, provide growth opportunities, and help the environment.
A CBI report entitled ‘Shining a Light: Uncovering the business energy efficiency opportunity’ has urged the government to reassess its current energy efficiency policies and introduce new initiatives to make changes to increase sustainable activity.
Energy efficiency has “been neglected for too long in the wider energy debate”, the CBI argued in the report. It has therefore called for more support to be given to large and energy intensive companies and provide a new policy for combined heat and power systems.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that mid-sized business should be given more details on how to access energy efficiency schemes. The CBI also recommended that the government look at the Green Deal and how it can be expanded to people in business.
Businesses could access technology like solar panels in order to cut down the carbon emissions produced in the working environment, and reduce running costs in the long-term.
CBI director for business environment policy Rhian Kelly said: “Energy efficiency has sneaked under the radar in the UK’s energy debate and is making a material contribution to UK growth. But there is so much economic and environmental potential that remains unfulfilled.
“With energy prices still on the rise, energy efficiency can help mitigate the impact on firms, particularly heavy users,” Ms Kelly added.
She went on to add that businesses are frustrated with the overlapping of policies and the strict bureaucratic processes that are associated with cutting carbon emissions. The expert suggested that the government should come up with a simpler approach to energy efficiency practices for businesses.