A leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, Ameresco Inc, says that some UK businesses are sitting on millions of pounds worth of energy cost savings that are waiting to be implemented.

The company says that it has identified significant potential annual savings for its clients through ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) audits.

Ameresco UK conducted audits on behalf of a variety of private sector businesses nationwide, including high street retailers, pharmaceutical, commercial, industrial, and utility companies. The measures identified are expected to reduce electricity and gas consumption by up to 35% with very attractive project economics.

Vice president of Ameresco UK Operations, Britta MacIntosh, said: “Businesses should seriously consider following through on the recommendations made by the energy experts. Many of the recommendations provide great opportunities for businesses to save both energy and money, often without a substantial time or cost commitment.”

She continued: “Ameresco UK’s ESOS audits have pinpointed various solutions that could unlock huge savings for clients running into the hundreds of thousands, from implementing LED lighting, HVAC, controls, CHP and heat recovery to consolidating utility bills.

“We believe that the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) and the Environment Agency have outlined a compelling business case for ESOS. They’ve calculated that if businesses covered by ESOS achieved just 5% of the cost-effective energy efficiency potential identified for buildings and industrial processes then collectively they could save more than £250m. However, we believe the savings could be even greater for certain businesses.”

Ms MacIntosh added: “We appreciate that companies have no obligation to act on the ESOS recommendations, but it is simply good practice to heed advice and take action – the business case is clearly set out in the significant cost savings available. A commitment to sustainability supports business and brand development as well as creating marketing opportunities around corporate social responsibility.”