Bigger Profits Set For Business Switch-off Campaign

Scottish businesses are being advised to become more resource efficient and tap into these benefits while staff enjoy their break form the office during the Glasgow Fair Holiday taking place between 15-18th July.

The Resource Efficient Scotland programme from Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging businesses to cut costs and maximise profits by running a ‘shutdown check’ while their offices are closed. Shutting down heating and lighting systems enables managers to pinpoint and fix unnecessary water or energy consumption caused by unseen issues, such as power drains or pipe leaks.

Marissa Lippiatt, Head of Resource Efficient Scotland at Zero Waste Scotland, said:

“Organisations throughout Scotland are losing thousands of pounds a year through hidden, but easily fixable, resource inefficiencies such as leaving non-essential equipment switched on during weekends and bank holidays, or undiagnosed leaks in water pipes that have stayed hidden for a number of years.

A single faulty tap with just a 3mm flow of water for example, will cost an organisation around £752 every year in water and sewerage costs.

“Similarly, if 30 members of staff forget to turn off their computers and monitors for a fortnight, this adds over £280 to the next electricity bill – that’s over £1,000 each year.

“Preparing for, and running a shutdown check is time well spent, regardless of the type and size of business you may look after, and public holidays are the ideal time to do so.”

The bank holiday switch-off is the latest in a series of Resource Efficient Scotland initiatives and is jointly funded by the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

For more information and to download a free holiday shut down toolkit and checklist, visit the Resource Efficient Scotland website at: www.resourceefficientscotland.com/resource/bank-holiday-shutdown-toolkit