£3m target of the Midas team
Dec 4 2007 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette
ENERGY savings worth more than £3m have been identified in businesses across the North-east, thanks to a support programme.
Since its launch last year, The North East Energy Initiative (TNEI) Services’ Midas team has worked with more than 700 companies to help them manage their energy, waste and water usage and has identified where £3m of energy savings could be made
And the programme, which is funded by regional development agency One NorthEast, has seen more than £2m of these energy efficiencies implemented.
One of the main triggers for companies to look at their energy usage is cost.
As fuel and energy prices have risen, more companies have become energy aware. This coupled with the potential for new legislation which will force businesses to monitor and meet targets for energy efficiency, is encouraging companies across the North-east to get their house in order.
TNEI works with businesses of all sizes in any industry or business sector to assess the whole operation and identify where savings can be made from energy use through to waste management.
When commissioned to carry out a Midas study, TNEI’s team of resource energy specialists carry out an initial inspection and audit of a business premise and its practices.
From this, an evaluation report is produced which can offer far reaching recommendations on how efficiencies can be made. These can range from eco-design, effective use of renewable energy, industrial symbiosis and waste management.
The site visit and initial consultation are free.
If a project requires further expert investigation or consultancy, Midas can broker the services required and provide up to 60% support funding to cover the costs.
Ray Waters, sustainable resources specialist at One NorthEast, said: “Resource efficiency is a critical issue for all businesses and for the regional economy, and Midas is one way for companies to look at where they could make savings.
“We’re delighted that the Midas project has already helped so many businesses in the region to become more competitive, more resilient to change in the price of energy and raw materials, and to show that they’re serious about issues like climate change.”
For details, contact the Midas team on 0191 211 1412 or e-mail midas@tnei.co.uk
