Businesses more and more need to control costs and run a tight ship when it comes to meeting their legal obligations. Some of the new and very real regulations forcing companies to comply involve waste and environmental issues.
The topic is not just about installing renewable technology into your business premises but coming up with a sustainable and future proof plan which looks at all of the business premises, operation procedures, improvements that can be made to the building and cost base to ensure that increases in energy, water and waste do not spiral out of control.
Commercial Considerations:
- What are the energy and environmental costs to the business now?
- Are there any areas you are not compliant in yet?
- What are the simple and cost effective measures that can be taken quickly e.g. What are the physical and behavioural things that can be achieved?
- Consider having an environmental/energy audit conducted by a professional who will understand the technologies, funding and grant options available and appropriate for your type of business.
- Investment, do you have an investment strategy in place, there could be a considerable ROI (Return on Investment) to be made through FIT and RHI now available from the Government.
- Prepare a plan and get started, if you think you are too small, think again that is the best time to start.
- The Green Deal for Domestic and SME’s will come into effect in the autumn 2012.
Types of Renewable energy sources include:
- Solar PV
- Solar Thermal
- Under floor Heating
- Heat Pumps
- CHP (Combined Heat and Power)
- Biomass and Biomethane
- Rainwater Harvesting
The Renewables Market is still very much in its infancy
It is vitally important that a business just not jump into installing renewable technologies without looking holistically at the business present and future.
The Government has launched a scheme called MCS (it is a European Standard). You must use MCS accredited advisors, product manufacturers and installers.
There can be money to be saved and money to be made on installing renewable energies as part of a long term strategy but be warned if done without a strategy and the right advice it may be more problems than it is worth.
If done correctly the action plan can be fully financed from energy cost savings and common sense disciplines applied in the business.
If selecting larger items of equipment from the ‘Governments Energy Technology List’ – you can claim 100% Capital Allowances in the year of Installation.
Sources of Information
The Energy Saving Trust
DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change)
The Carbon Trust – 0% Interest Free Business Loans to invest in Energy Saving Projects