Inefficiency costs businesses £12.7bn a year

Inefficiencies in the workplace are costing UK businesses £12.7bn and 7.1 billion tonnes of CO2 according to energy provider E.ON.

The research shows employees who are thrifty with their use of energy at home, adopt a lackadaisical approach to energy efficiency in the office.

Those polled gave a number of excuses for this behaviour including being afraid to ask permission, a lack of financial incentive and worries about being ridiculed by co-workers.

More worryingly, almost 80% said they struggled to replicate their environmentally friendly practices when at work. Jim MacDonald, commercial director of E.ON said it is imperative that companies put the right training in place.

“Our study shows that the right training and incentives can help change behaviour,” he commented.

The survey’s authors estimate an average office worker wastes £6,000 a year and 3.36 tonnes of CO” by not taking the basic energy saving steps at home.

MacDonald said businesses have a role to play in helping cut the UK’s carbon emissions. “Collectively Britain’s businesses account for 35% of the UK’s carbon emissions and these emissions are still rising, in contrast the energy savings carried out in our homes.”

“The resultant carbon footprint from staff failures to switch off the lights and computers overnight for a typical small business is equivalent to a roundtrip long haul flight,” he continued.

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