We use this space to spark ideas and imaginations on how improving energy efficiency will improve the world.

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A recent survey revealed that while most SME firms want to reduce their environmental impact and improve climate resilience, two-thirds don’t believe they have the right skills and knowledge to do so in-house. Key knowledge gaps include: the measurement of a business’s baseline emissions across their value chain and, the development and delivery of science-based…

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Energy improvements are helping The Granite House become the first carbon neutral stone shop

The Granite House – Business type: manufacturing– Building age: 1970s– Primary goal: to reduce the environmental impact of the business– Measures: LED lighting, absence detectors, installing radiant heaters in workshop, replacing front door. The Granite House is a stone shop specialising in granite, based in Bicester, where they rent a premises containing a workshop, office,…

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Make your business energy efficient [webinar recording]

In this expert online panel event on Wednesday 8th December 2021, we explored energy efficiency improvements businesses can make to their premises in order to: Reduce costs Reduce carbon emissions Build resilience against energy price spikes What measures are most suitable for your premises, Solar PV, EV, Air Source Heat Pumps, LED lights, Insulation or…

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Does your organisation have an energy champion?

We all have a part to play when it comes to mitigating climate change. Increasingly employees want to work in an ethical business that’s conscious of its environmental impact and committed to reducing its carbon footprint. This is often a key factor in winning new business as well as recruiting and retaining highly skilled and…

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Over 60 businesses and organisations registered

We’ve had an amazing response to the launch of the UK Community Renewal Fund, with over 60 businesses and organisations keen to get started improving the energy efficiency of their workplace. Support spaces are limited, but it’s not too late to sign up and register your interest. A waiting list is in place if any extra…

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UK Businesses could waste over £30 billon worth of energy this year

A new report from eEnergy shared exclusively with CITY A.M. estimates 30 per cent of all purchased energy is currently wasted in commercial buildings, warehouses and education facilities. According to eEnergy’s calculations, this forecasts a staggering £33.9 billion worth of energy waste from UK businesses this year, enough to power Greater London for more than…

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The Carbon Trust launches new net-zero certification for businesses

Ten companies including Virgin Media 02, and the gas distribution company SGN, will be trialling a new certification scheme called the ‘Route to Net-Zero Standard’, launched by The Carbon Trust. The new certification will be open to businesses of all sizes and sectors and will not be geographically bound. Businesses will be assessed on their emissions…

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New report finds corporations over-reliant on carbon offsetting

The report was issued by the New Climate Institute and not-for-profit Carbon Market Watch and surveyed the net zero pledges of 25 major multinational corporations. Three companies (Maersk, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom) were praised in the report for their deep decarbonisation plans to cover 90% or more of their whole value chain emissions by their…

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How to find financial support for energy efficiency upgrades

Please note: If you decide to apply to a funder for a grant or loan always check with the specific website regularly for any changes to criteria, deadlines or for any additional advice or information that has been posted. Embarking on an energy efficiency project can be costly, and many businesses and organisations struggle to find…

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Sparks by Energy Solutions Oxfordshire

Energy Solutions Oxfordshire is a complete energy efficiency service, helping organisations lower their energy use, while saving time and money. Get started by filling out our online survey to get a free Desktop Diagnosis Report for your organisation.

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Positive News: how small businesses can benefit from installing solar panels

The team at Positive News recently interviewed Simon Nicholls, managing director of UK renewable energy developer Olympus Power, about how small businesses could benefit from installing solar panels on their rooftops. The interview covers: likely installation costs, payback times, building requirements, and more. Stay up-to-date with the latest news The Sparks newsletter by Energy Solutions Oxfordshire…

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How to find financial support for energy efficiency upgrades

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9 out of 10 small businesses have no idea of their environmental impact

Research published this week by the British Chambers of Commerce based on a survey of 1,000 UK small businesses reveals that only one in ten (11%) are measuring their carbon footprint. Furthermore, only one in seven (13%) have set targets to reduce their emissions. Almost two thirds (64%) of businesses surveyed say they don’t see net zero targets as a high priority after the…

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Energy improvements for manufacturing businesses [webinar recording]

Manufacturing businesses typically waste significant amounts of energy – but there are ways to reduce this, cutting carbon emissions and bills. Join us to explore energy improvements in manufacturing, and gain an insight into applying for an Energy Pioneer Award.

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