The average UK small business is losing £7,000 a year due to energy wasted from PCs, photocopiers and other equipment in the workplace, according to a new report.

The Carbon Trust, which advises small firms on how to cut harmful emissions, claimed that small companies were wasting up to 30 per cent of their energy.

With the small firms’ annual energy bill standing at £3.5 billion, the trust said that this wastage amounted to a massive £1.1 billion lost a year.

The Carbon Trust, which has launched a TV advertisement campaign to highlight the issue of wasted energy, offered the following tips to small firms on how to save money:

  • If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it – Check regularly on your consumption of electricity, gas and oil, and check that your bills relate to what you actually use, rather than an estimate.
  • Pay less for energy – You could be paying more than you need to, so shop around for the best value provider.
  • Use less energy for machinery and equipment – Make sure items such as photocopiers, fans, pumps, conveyors and compressors are not left on unnecessarily.
  • Keep windows closed in cold weather – If staff are too warm, turn the heating down instead.
  • Use less energy for lighting – Old fluorescent tubes and dirty shades often cause wasted energy, so replace them if possible. Turn off lights in used rooms – this could save up to 15 per cent of your bill.
  • Use daylight – It’s free – so keep windows and skylights clean and clear.
  • Use less energy for heating and ventilation – If you are too hot, set the thermostat at 19 to 20 degrees, costs rise eight per cent for every one degree increase. Don’t heat unused space.
  • Keep radiators clear – Don’t block them with furniture – it reduces efficiency and output.

Garry Felgate, of the Carbon Trust, said that energy is the lifeblood of British business.

“Without it, a business could not operate. Even simple measures, such as insulating a roof space or lowering office temperatures can significantly reduce heating bills,” he said.

Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said he backed the new energy efficiency drive.

“Energy is one of the vital business issues of the day. Its efficient use brings not only financial gains, but reputational and environmental ones as well,” he said.

Action Energy, the body set up by the Carbon Trust to help deal with energy efficiency, has set up a new helpline to provide small firms with help and advice on the issue.

The helpline number is 0800 917 3030.