HomeNewsBusiness News
Reduction discussions
AS PRINCE Charles told businesses today that they were not doing enough to save the planet, dozens of companies in Stockton were following the local council’s lead on carbon reduction.
Yesterday, the council held its first carbon reduction breakfast for firms interested in finding out how it was slashing its £4m energy bill by a quarter and cutting emissions by the same amount.
Out of the Prince’s May Day Network of 800 organisations, who had signed up to going green, less than a quarter had reported on their progress.
But Stockton councillor Jeannie Beaumont, cabinet member for the environment, said it was essential that businesses kept track.
“Apart from the shock when you find out how much you are spending [on energy bills], you need to have a base point, so you’re then able to aim what you do. It’s not rocket science to get somebody to work out how much you are spending on utilities.
“People find the word carbon boring and say what’s the point of me doing something when the rest of the world isn’t but when you realise it’s a pound in your pocket or a better result on you balance sheet, it makes sense.”
Some of the council’s biggest savings had come from simple reduction methods, such as turning down the heating on its 350 buildings by one degree, saving £3,000 a year.
