UTILISE Helps Brighton Businesses Cut Utility Costs

At the free course run by the Sustainable Business Partnership, businesses discovered practical measures to improve energy and water efficiency, minimise waste and reduce costs. Topics covered included heating and lighting, utility billing and tariffs, waste reduction and recycling, employee engagement and green marketing.

Brighton Marina were keen to host UTILISE following their attendance at a previous course. Visit Brighton, the City Council and the Federation of Small Businesses helped spread the word to local businesses.

Attending organisations included restaurants, retailers, travel agents, an airline, a laundrette, museums and charities. Pauliina Talvensaari of the Scandanavian bar and restaurant Northern Lights in Brighton’s South Lanes said, “Rather than general ‘be green’ talk, I left with lots of thing I can do to improve efficiency and to reduce costs.”

Louise Brown attended from the Royal Pavilion & Museums Foundation. She is planning to review water usage; fitting flow restrictors to taps and ensuring urinals are sensor controlled. Lighting throughout their five museums is also being upgraded to energy efficient LEDs. She said of the course, “The trainers have real, practical, usable knowledge that I can take away and immediately apply in the workplace. I can see quick money saving wins.”

The course was the third to be held in Brighton. Since attending earlier in the year, AVERT, a charity that work to combat HIV and AIDS through worldwide education, treatment and care programmes, have achieved significant savings across their utilities. Office Administrator Martin Wood said, “We have just nine employees and a small office, yet have saved nearly £2,500 since attending the course. A fantastic return for one day out of the office!”

Nicola Cunningham from Jury’s Inn also presented a case study of how they have improved environmental performance at their Brighton Hotel. She explained how as well as lowering costs, their commitment appeals to customers.

UTILISE Brighton Marina was free to attend for small and medium sized businesses thanks to the EU funded Low Carbon Essentials programme.

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