Two point carbon reduction plan from University of Oxford -buildings energy analysis and consultancy review

OXFORD, ENGLAND, November 12, 2010 (Press-News.org) The government have unveiled plans of a new GBP1.4 billion investment programme and draft plan for regional growth meant to boost sustainable growth. Friends of the Earth have suggested the government introduce a local carbon budget plan, which would see councils, and businesses co-operate to cut emissions and develop a prosperous economy to benefit all.

The plan may take some time to implement. In the meantime, businesses can pledge to cut their own emissions today and start tackling climate change on their own initiatives. The University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute can assist businesses by providing free buildings energy analysis.

Businesses who have no green budget can take positive action by simply monitoring their buildings energy use with the University's free-to-use analysis website: http://www.smeasure.org.uk by adding weekly meter readings. Monitoring buildings energy use could potentially cut energy bills by 40% and it is not necessary to buy or install equipment for this purpose; simply add the weekly meter readings on to the site and the analysis tool does the work for you including assessing the energy efficiency of buildings against weather conditions; compare energy performance to typical and best practice standards, shows seasonal energy useage and identify high-energy consumption weeks providing your business with an action or remedy plan.

Businesses wishing to take a step further an implement their own tailored action plan following an assessment undertaken by leading academic experts based at the Institute and they are likely to see a return on their investment fairly quickly based on potential energy savings. By commissioning a review with the Institute, from GBP400, businesses can expect a pay-back period plan alongside a proposed carbon management and sustainability programme created especially for the business type, its premises and its activity. Other areas for review include compliance with voluntary certification programmes such as help with setting up BS16001 compliant building energy management programs and compliance impacts for larger organisations participating in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

SMEasure is currently offering the opportunity to win an energy consultancy worth GBP800, for any business that submits 5 weekly meter readings during this November and December.

Please visit http://www.smeasure.org.uk for further information on how it can help business for free, the research the Institute are undertaking, the services they can provide and more information on a chance to win an on-site consultancy, worth GBP800 by the SMEasure research team. Other prizes include energy reports and employee 'green' training.

SMEasure is a free energy monitoring calculator, especially designed for small and medium businesses. For further information please contact annah@smeasure.org.uk