Building research organisation BRE has published a new report, 'Energy management in the built environment' with assistance from the Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA).
'The rising cost of energy in the UK since 2000 has highlighted the need for improved energy management,' said Andy Lewry, author of the report. 'Security of energy supply has also become an issue, and UK production satisfied only about 70 per cent of demand in 2010.'

UK businesses spend £2.4 billion annually on energy, of which 21 per cent is wasted. 'When managing energy, one has to overcome the false perception that it is a fixed cost to business,' said Alan Aldridge, executive director of ESTA. 'Considering energy as a variable cost to a business provides the opportunity to discover the size of potential savings,' he added.

The guide provides a step-by-step approach that can be applied by those responsible for energy management in an organisation, from board level to operational staff. Most of the examples are the built environment, but the underlying principles can be employed in any organisation or industry sector. The report also features a matrix tool that can be used to help organisations to identify areas for improvement, prioritise energy management activities and maximise potential benefits.

Energy management in the built environment is available from www.brebookshop.com, or by calling 01344 328038, ref. FB 44.