Brighton Businesses Learn to Cut Utility Costs

Businesses learnt how to cut their utility bills and improve environmental performance at UTILISE Brighton, a free course held by the Sustainable Business Partnership.

At the one-day event held at the Jubilee Library, delegates heard from energy, waste and water efficiency experts and were assisted to create an action plan detailing real cost saving opportunities at their premises.

Martin Wood of AVERT, a charity that is helping tackle HIV and AIDS, said, “It really was helpful for a small organisation like mine. I think we can look to save around £600, which for a charity is incredible. The course was toned just right, with just the correct level of information on each subject and really fitted in with our needs.”

The Sustainable Business Partnership teamed up with Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce to reach local businesses.

Kim Clarke, who is soon to open Sunshine Books, Art and Coffee in Hove, found out about the workshop through the City Council’s website. “As a new business start-up I gained a lot of information about being energy efficient and cost effective before starting – avoiding the pit falls.”

A wide range of businesses attended, from charities to haulage companies. Juliet Blake of X-Pand International Freight said “[The] environment is such a huge subject matter; it’s a minefield of information. This course helps you find your way.” Peter Davies of Shoreham Port described his day as “A good practical look at how we can reduce our carbon footprint and save money at the same time.”

Since attending UTILISE in 2011 Angie Lintott has helped East Brighton Golf Club reduce its annual energy bills by £1,800. She presented as a case study a speaker, sharing initiatives they have taken including loft insulation, LED lighting in the clubhouse bar and PIR sensors to control lighting in locker rooms.

UTILISE Brighton was free to attend for small and medium sized businesses thanks to the EU funded Low Carbon Essentials programme. More information and workshop dates can be found here.