UK lags behind developing world in energy efficiency
Article Date: May 18 2007The developing world is leading the way in implementing energy-saving initiatives, according to research by Grant Thornton. Although 40 per cent of UK businesses rate rising energy costs as a ‘major concern’ over the next year, they are doing less to address the problem than countries such as Brazil, China and the Philippines.
The research assigns countries a score depending on how many businesses have undertaken energy-saving measures. The Philippines leads the way with 410 out of 600, followed by Brazil (360), mainland China (341) and Malaysia (307) – while the UK scores only 258, less than the global average of 263.
‘While there are obvious savings to be made from managing energy costs, by making a number of often very simple changes, businesses can significantly reduce their impact on the environment,’ says Alysoun Stewart, head of Grant Thornton’s Strategic Services Group.
Common energy-saving measures include turning off electrical equipment when not in use, investing in alternative equipment or fuels, and relocating to reduce transportation costs.
The research covers 7,200 privately held businesses across 32 countries, 600 of which are in the UK.
