This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Toolkit for energy efficiency
13/10/2003
A partnership approach to energy efficiency can help
companies drive down costs and improve their profitability,
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace as he launched the Small
Business Energy and Environment Toolkit.
The Toolkit, a joint initiative by the Executive and
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), offers a practical
guide to businesses on the most efficient use of their
resources.
It covers all aspects of resource efficiency including
energy, waste, water, transport and regulatory issues.
Mr Wallace said:
"I am acutely aware of the difficulties encountered by
small businesses in keeping their costs under control. Key
to driving down these costs and maximising profits is
through the efficient use of resources. This will also
contribute to a healthier environment and a healthier
economy.
"However, companies often do not have advice at hand
which is clear and simple to use - this is where the
toolkit comes in.
"The toolkit shows a practical example of what can be
achieved by such a partnership between the Executive and
the Federation of Small Businesses.
"Take energy consumption - simple energy efficiency
measures can save around 20 per cent on fuel bills.
However, if businesses, no matter how small, adopt all the
recommendations in the toolkit they can save themselves
thousands of pounds each year.
"I therefore commend this toolkit to small business
users throughout Scotland. I am confident it will
contribute not only to the success of business but to a
smart, successful and sustainable Scotland."
Andy Willox, Scottish Policy Convener for the Federation
of Small Businesses, said:
"Government experts estimate that business and consumers
waste 20 per cent of Scotland's total energy and water
spending of #6.5 billion each year, a total of £1.3
billion. That is equivalent to half of our annual income
from North Sea oil and a third of Scotland's tourist
income.
"Implementing the simple measures detailed in the
toolkit could save small businesses many thousands of
pounds each year. It is estimated that a 20 per cent
reduction in energy costs is equivalent to an average
annual sales increase of five per cent. That is a
significant boost to the profits of any small business, and
we will be urging our members to study the toolkit and use
it to their best advantage."
All 18,500 members of the FSB in Scotland will receive a
personal copy of the new toolkit.