- Aston University expert on how small businesses can achieve energy cost savings while also reducing their carbon footprint
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- Expanding fudge-making firm explains how it has insisted on plastic-free operations as part of sustainability approach.
Half the power stations in Britain could be closed if small businesses achieved 30 per cent energy savings through increased efficiency, according to an expert at Aston University.
Dr Mark Smith, business engagement manager on the Low Carbon SMEs project, said the “entirely feasible” savings could begin with simple measures such as switching off lights and machinery when not in use.
The call for SMEs to explore energy efficiency came from Dr Smith in the latest episode of the ‘Aston means business' podcast, presented by journalist Steve Dyson.
Also interviewed was entrepreneur Cassie Kirk-Gould who owns Sweetmeats Inc, a micro fudge-maker and confectionery in Stirchley, Birmingham, who explained how her business was completely plastic-free.
The Low Carbon SMEs project, which has been running for five years, assists around 150 small businesses across the Greater Birmingham & Solihull and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnerships. Dr Smith said the project opened the door to businesses to talk about energy and resource efficiency and that “a lot of businesses come to us because they want to do the right thing.”
He said that “ninety-nine times out of a hundred” businesses wanted to upgrade their lighting: “More often than not we find they have very poor, inefficient, old sodium lighting, usually in the wrong place, producing more heat than light.”
Dr Smith said switching to LED can be a very cost-effective way of improving the workplace environment, and that it can take less than two years to recoup the investment – or just nine months with a grant from the project.
A similar issue applies to compressors, he added. “Some of these are ridiculously old, very inefficient, keep breaking down, servicing them costs a fortune, and they produce more heat than compressed air.”
Dr Smith said the UK had a “super abundance” of energy but was “rubbish” at using it because the nation is a “massively inefficient economy.” He said it should be adopting energy efficiency measures by substituting renewable energy for fossil fuel-based energy.
He said: “If we could actually save 30 per cent of our energy, and it’s entirely feasible, we could shut down half the power stations in the UK and we could move to a decentralised system.”
This would also have knock-on benefits such as cleaner air, he said. And he claimed it was a “myth” that the UK needed more energy, adding: “We just need to use it more effectively.”
Dr Smith said there were many options for companies to save energy: “The first point is energy conservation. If you don’t need it switched on, turn it off. Even standby is a waste of money. The second thing is, reduce what you’re doing. Turn the thermostat down a degree to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
“Thirdly, generate your own energy. You are much more immune from spikes in energy costs, and you can actually increase production without upgrading your power supply.”
Dr Smith said that if all business units harnessed appropriate south-facing roofs they could generate half of the total UK energy demand. Further tips were for SMEs to monitor their data to learn where their energy is going so they can conserve it, and to start investing in energy efficiency equipment.
The podcast then found out how Cassie Kirk-Gould began Sweetmeats Inc on a market stall using grease-proof paper to wrap the fudge. She realised this would not work long-term as the business grew, but she was determined to remain completely plastic-free.
She said: “As I became more aware as a consumer of plastic waste, I realised I had to make a decision as a producer, so I researched online for a plastic-free option.”
Ms Kirk-Gould found cellulose, made from waste plant fibre, to wrap the sweets, which are then put into recyclable brown paper bags. The nutritional information stickers are also made from paper, and she even uses paper-based sticking tape.
She said: “Larger vacuum packs for storage are mostly plastic, and not always recyclable, but I found a company that does bio-degradable vacuum pouches. You do have to look, and be prepared to pay a little extra, but it’s better to do everything in the most sustainable way possible from the start. There are lots people prepared to offer advice and guidance around sustainability, such as recyclable materials.”
Episode 3 in series 5 of ‘Aston means business’ podcast can be found here.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Loer Hansen is the Interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7557 745416 or email: r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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