Increasingly companies are setting public energy reduction goals as businesses better recognize the link between reduced energy consumption, cost savings and an improved bottom line as well as a lower company carbon footprint.

During this recession and with energy prices starting to rise, companies who do not have a formal energy reduction goal should establish one this year to take advantage of the benefits not fulfilled by an emissions reduction goal.

In the past five years, leading companies have set public carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction goals and reviewed and reported progress annually. The process of achieving these goals demonstrated to organisations the power of energy reduction.

A lighting upgrade project that was previously “deferred maintenance,” for instance, is now a project with strategic benefits and a strong financial payback.

Gary Brandwood, Commercial Business Manager at Renewables4Business said “Many leading companies have publicly set energy reduction goals. Establishing an energy reduction goal offers benefits that carbon reduction goals do not in today’s business climate. Energy reduction directly translates to money savings, which is easier to sell internally, especially to line managers and board members who are skeptical about climate change. Reduced energy use is straightforward to understand by many in the company. Instituting an energy reduction goal is straightforward but requires internal education and top level management support before making it a publicly stated goal.

Gary continued “Goals can be set as either as absolute or intensity targets. Investing the time to secure top level management support for a public energy reduction goal is well worth it. Energy visibility and accountability within most companies is diffuse and nonexistent. A publicly stated energy reduction target powerfully focuses the company to execute on the reduction opportunity. This public commitment galvanizes accountability, support and process improvements.

Energy reduction has broad, organisational support, fits in with the need for companies to be operationally lean during a recession, and reduces the company’s environmental impact. When announced and tracked publicly, corporate energy reduction goals save the company money, increase profits and ensure progress toward environmental objectives.

For an explanation of how you can take advantage of the new Energy Bill, please contact Gary Brandwood directly at Renewables4business on 01925 764586 .

Gary Brandwood industry expert from Renewables4Business explains how you can light up your business in more ways than one.

Gary talked to Property Aspects Magazine about the reasons why LEDs should be the default choice for your lighting needs.

The technological advances in the development of LEDs have been fast and furious, with manufacturers competing to design suitable fittings for every application in the workplace and at home, while working to lower the retail price to a tipping point of mass consumer acceptance. Today, these goals have largely been met. Now LEDs offer a far more competitive solution with greater levels of sustainability, energy efficiency and performance.

LED light fittings are more cost-effective than their traditional counterparts, and specialty LEDs have become widely available for the different lighting applications in modern buildings. However, perhaps the greatest advantage is the energy savings which can be up to 80% producing a great return on investment with payback periods typically between 1 and 3 years.

Gary also provided a few tips to help you make sense of the many energy-efficient lighting solutions on the market today, and how to choose the best LED fitting for your lighting needs.

1. Buy quality fixtures from an expert supplier
2. Beware of the cheapest on the market
3. The new Lumens rating makes buying LED bulbs much simpler
4. LED bulbs contain no mercury
5. LEDs give instant light, and many LED bulbs are dimmable
6. LEDs won’t contribute to heat buildup in your building
7. Don’t let the retail price shock you – you’ll save much more on running costs

Gary commented: “The trend in lighting is moving towards more widespread adoption of LEDs for commercial as well as residential use. Today, builders of new homes are installing LED bulbs in many fixtures, and as LED bulb prices continue to go down, this trend is going to grow”.

Businesses are also widely adopting LED technolgy and retro-fitting their warehouses, factories and production plants both internally and externally. A little knowledge about these bulbs will help you get the best value for your money.

For more information about the new Energy Bill, please contact Gary Brandwood directly at Renewables4business on 01925 764586 .

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) have released figures that detail the cost last year’s floods exerted on firms. Insurers paid out £1.19 billion for the storm and flood damage caused by 2012’s string of adverse weather conditions.

The figures, detailed in a report by Insurance Times, stated that the figure is the largest annual figure since the 2007 floods, which incurred payouts of around £3 billion. The report also showed that around 486,000 claims were made with an average payout of £18,200 for flood damage and £1,300 for storm damage (domestic and commercial). Insurance Times spoke to ABI director of general insurance, Nick Starling, who said: “Two thousand and twelve may have been a record-breaking wet one, but it was business as usual for insurers, which helped thousands of customers recover from the trauma of flooding.”

Reacting to the news, David Hudson, Director of leading Manchester commercial insurance brokers Buckland Harvester, said: “Nick [Starling] was pretty on the money with his comments: insurers are used to this by now, and as soon as the weather warnings came we were all bracing ourselves for another 2007. Above all, the most important factor is that people made it through the floods safely, and when the water has died down, they then have their insurer to help recoup any losses to the elements.”

Speaking about how people and businesses should prepare for if, or rather when, the rain comes back: “The first priority should be making sure your property and those around you are safe from flooding. Check for cracks in the walls and ceilings and investigate any blocked drains. If you have reason to believe your home or business is at danger from drainage or sewage overflow, you should contact the water company, as they may become the party liable if you ever need to put in an insurance claim for flooding.”

He continued: “The next priority is insurance. “The EA works under an agreement with ABI to try and ensure that the vast majority of properties can be insured against flood risk.”

Last year Geoff Williams, loss assessor from Cherry and Griffiths, spoke to Property Aspects about flooding insurance. He said: “In areas where the risk of flooding is considered ‘significant’ (a more than 1 in 75 annual chance of flooding) but where Flood Defences are due to be improved within five years, ABI members will continue to provide cover, and this includes owners of new-build homes. In areas of significant risk where no improvements are planned, insurers cannot guarantee to insure a property but will work on a case-by-case basis to seek preventative or remedial measures and enable cover to be obtained.”

If you would like more information about flooding insurance please contact Buckland Harvester directly via Buckland Harvester at www.bucklandharvester.co.uk

Today, we are living in a world that is more concerned than ever about our impact on the environment. So much so it has come to the point where any unnecessary damage or pollution can be very costly indeed.

Following the implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive 2004, and the Environmental Damage Regulations, which put the directive into national law in March 2009, making sure you are minimising your impact on the environment and not being careless has become more important than ever, especially if you are in property.

RPS Britain reported, “Liability frequently takes the form of contaminated land issues but may also include operating liabilities, management issues and policy development. Other environmental concerns can include flood risk, asbestos and industrial permitting issues.”

With such a broad range of focus and so many potential ways to be found liable, David Hudson, Director of leading Manchester commercial insurance brokers Buckland Harvester, was keen to clear things up for property owners, as well as discuss how they can cover themselves.

He commented: “There are many ways property owners, whether they own or are leasing out housing, can fall foul of the Environmental Damage Regulations. One common mistake landlords fall foul of is that even though occupiers of property are fully liable for any pollution, if tenants cease to trade or stop paying then the blame lies with the owner of the land. Landlords could be held fully responsible for the damage their tenants have caused, which can be costly when it includes compensation and clear-up charges.”

“The best way to try and stay on top of the situation and not fall foul of any nasty punishments or fines is to be vigilant. Undertake regular check-ups of the state of the land, and monitor yours and your tenants’ recycling and waste habits. Make sure to hold yourself and your tenants to a strict in-house environmental policy in order to avoid liability.”

He concluded: “Sometimes the best laid plans aren’t enough, so it’s always nice to have a safety net if your in-house systems fail or the unexpected happens. Environmental Liability Insurance can protect property owners against risk, and even though it shouldn’t be the be all and end all of complying with Environmental Damage Regulations, it should be a key part of it.”

If you are concerned about your environmental liability please contact Buckland Harvester directly at www.bucklandharvester.co.uk

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, has recently announced the new Energy Bill.

The Energy Bill had been the focus of an on-going debate between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats recently but Davey said “The decisions we’ve reached are true to the Coalition Agreement and we can have essential electricity market reforms up and running by 2014 as planned.”

If the reforms do indeed go ahead they will allow the government to meet the carbon reduction and renewable energy obligations, as well as supporting up to 250,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry. The changes will involve the creation of a Government company which will attempt to maintain confidence in low-carbon electricity projects, thus hoping to encourage investment.

Ed Davey also announced that market support for the low-carbon sector will begin at £7.6 billion – in line with current 2012 prices – a figure which is expected to rise to £9.8 billion in 2020, making solar power technologies a crucial element to meeting renewable-energy and carbon-reduction targets.

According to the British Photovoltaic Association, the government’s new Energy Bill “will help diversify our energy mix”. With sharp price hikes in the oil and gas markets – British Gas is to increase prices again in 2013, adding further to the average energy bill. Furthermore, it is expected that electricity from renewables will rise from the current level of 11% to 30% by 2020, and a significant part of this will be solar PV that creates clean electricity.

In November the government also officially opened the Green Investment Bank, a scheme which hopes to increase investment in renewable energies, including solar PV.

Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 Business said: “Renewable energy is increasingly powering U.K. businesses and the economy too. Knowing that the government’s fixed tariff ensures a minimum investment return will be a relief to those with solar PV systems, as oil and gas prices continue to rise indefinitely, causing energy insecurity and financial uncertainty for many people in the UK.”

For more information about the new Energy Bill, please contact Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

As a private, social or commercial landlord, you can supplement your rental income by installing a Solar PV system on your property or properties. This will generate a new 20 year guaranteed income stream through the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme and also appealing free or low cost electricity for your tenants.

Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 Business said: “Landlords can make serious money from the light that hits their roofs, even if the property is empty!  This income stream could then help you to pay for vacant property business rates”

He Continued “An energy efficient premises is easier to find a tenant for and also keeps existing tenants happier, as tenants are likely to stay for longer and pay higher rents if energy bills are reduced.”  We estimate that you could achieve around an average 10% yield from the investment in solar PV each property rising each year in line with RPI – if you have a mortgage on the property, you could use the income to reduce long term mortgage debt.

Is Solar PV right for your properties?

• Solar PV is a well-established, low-risk technology, with very little maintenance required
• Installation is straight forward in most cases – with minimal disruption to your tenants or the property
• If you have limited roof space, you can also use disused land or outbuildings
• No planning permission is required for the majority of roof-top Solar PV systems; where planning is required, a service is available to support you
• Feed-in Tariff scheme offers income from both generation and export rates, meaning you get a regular income, and your tenants enjoy free or low-cost, low carbon electricity
• If roof areas are causing you an issue, combining a re-roof with solar PV will enable the whole project to pay for itself rather than it being just a substantial capital outlay
• Capital allowances may be available to you to reduce the effective cost of a system, providing elevated returns

Renewables4business are Solar PV specialists with professional roofers, they offer a wide range of solutions and systems for your entire property portfolio.

If you are interested in learning how Solar PV can be of benefit to your property, please contact Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

A leading drainage expert explains the detrimental effects of the recent floods across the country and indicates that government indecision and inactivity have made matters worse.

The last time flood damage was seen on this scale, in 2007, it prompted the government to commission leading municipal engineer Sir Michael Pitt to recommend measures to minimise the likelihood of any repetition. However, little progress has been made in certain areas, it is claimed, with some of Pitt’s key recommendations yet to be implemented and some mired in uncertainty and delay.

Jill Jones, Drainage Expert at Environmental consultants Peak Associates said: “For thousands of homes and properties facing flooding misery, nothing has changed significantly since Pitt.

She added: “According to the government’s final progress report less than half of Pitt’s 92 recommendations were fully implemented with most of the rest remaining ‘work in progress’. Some key recommendations, embodied in the Flood and Water Management Act, have been subject to continuing setbacks”.

According to Pitt, two thirds of the 2007 floods were caused by surface water flooding. Yet plans to introduce new national standards in England and Wales making Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) compulsory through Local Authority Approving Bodies have been subject to persistent delays.

Jill suggested: “It now seems likely that local authorities will have to wait until April 2014 to begin their roles – at least two years behind the original schedule”.

These measures are still just the tip of the iceberg in the upgrading of our urban surface water drainage systems. As yet there are no firm plans in place to legislate and the current proposed legislation does not cover highways.

Accepted thinking on surface water drainage has been overly influenced by an enthusiastic Green lobby, causing concerns for developers who may be forced to reduce available land for building in new developments already facing tight profit margins.

At the same time, natural features present engineering challenges for drainage designers to accurately predict their performance in extreme weather conditions, as well as their long-term maintenance requirements.

Jill commented: “A wide variety of engineered systems are available which can enhance the amenity value of natural features whilst providing repeatability of measurable performance. Slowly the industry has come round to this way of thinking. Unfortunately, in the meantime I believe this uncertainty has caused delays in framing clear and unequivocal national standards that can provide a consistent benchmark for all designers to follow”.

“Whilst urban drainage schemes remained dogged by delays, there are similar frustrations for many major proposed flood defence projects put on hold after the government’s swingeing cuts in 2010. New partnership funding arrangements now require local stakeholders such as councils, developers, utilities or Network Rail, to contribute to schemes in their area.

As a result, communities desperate for updated flood defences such as Morpeth in Northumberland have had to wait longer for defences to be built whilst funds are raised”.

“The good news is that the British water industry offers some innovative and imaginative technologies available to provide sustainable, maintainable and reliable solutions to flood defences in future.

We have the ability to solve the problems raised so clearly and fully in Sir Michael Pitt’s excellent report. For the sake of all those affected by flooding we need decisive and resolute government action with redoubled effort to follow through on Sir Michael’s recommendations”.

For drainage advice contact Jill Jones via www.peak-associates.com

Controlling voltage is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity use and cut carbon emissions.

Nearly all organisations pay for electricity they do not use because they do not control the voltage of the electricity that flows around their site.

Tighter control means more savings. Power wastage costs can be avoided and as electricity prices rise, every 1% of power savings will have a greater impact.

Voltage regulation reduces, controls and balances your supply voltages. Typically, this will deliver site savings of 5-17%, although savings of 20% or more are possible when applied exclusively to certain types of electrical load such as direct motors and traditional lighting.

In addition, lowering and controlling incoming voltage reduces maintenance requirements and extends the life of electrical equipment.

It can also help you avoid fines from not complying with the Carbon Reduction Commitment Act.

Gary Brandwood, Commercial Business Manager Reef Energy Solutions who are leading experts reducing energy costs in the NW, said: “Commercial voltage optimisation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity use, cut carbon emissions, reduce electrical breakdowns and increase the life of electrical equipment”.

He added: “we see many firms looking for ways to reduce their energy spend and not taking advantage of Voltage Optimisation as it’s not easily understood.

By doing this they could make a significant difference to their monthly energy bill each and every month with instant results and a very fast payback period”.

If you are interested in learning how Voltage Optimisation can be of benefit to your property, please contact Reef Energy Solutions on 0845 3032921.

Property Aspects Magazine is grateful to the assistance and knowledge provided by Reef Energy in helping us to compile this article.

The government has unveiled plans to exempt some of Britain’s biggest industries from charges for clean electricity.

The Energy Bill confirms that households will be expected to pay about £100 a year on average to get more power from nuclear and renewables.

But it looks as though energy intensive firms won’t have to pay the extra charges. It’s feared that if their energy bills rise too high, they’ll move manufacturing jobs abroad. The move may prove controversial with consumer groups.

We spoke with Gary Brandwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Renewables 4 business said: “The government has recognised that if you are trying to cut global emissions of carbon, it’s futile driving away firms to pollute somewhere else. But many households may wonder why they’re being forced to pay extra whilst big firms are not”.

Gary continued “Our aim is to enhance business premises and domestic homes by reducing the amount that is spent on their energy bills – something that everyone can connect with. The Green Deal is definitely building momentum and funding is also available from ECO for certain measures”.

The Bill confirms that households would provide £7.6bn of subsidy to nuclear and renewables by 2020 to keep the lights on and to meet targets on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The government says the investment will shield the UK from volatile gas prices and force down costs in the long run.

But ministers have also announced that some of biggest industrial polluters in the UK – like steel and cement – may not be asked to pay extra. These global firms threaten to take their jobs elsewhere if power bills rise.

If you would like help and advice in order to cut your energy bills, contact Gary Brandwood direct at Renewables 4 Business on 01925 764586 .

Property Aspects Magazine appreciates the expertise provided by Reef Energy Solutions in publishing this article.

Geoff Williams, director of Manchester-based loss assessors Cherry and Griffiths gives some sound advice on how to protect your business against flooding.

As we are presently experiencing, the UK is a wet country. Our green and pleasant land is at the mercy of weather systems which are capable of picking up huge amounts of water from the Atlantic Ocean and delivering it onto our towns and countryside.

If your premises are by or on a river or other watercourse you have certain rights and responsibilities as a riparian owner under laws which came into force in 2012. Riparian means simply “of, on, or relating to the banks of a natural course of water”, and you may not have known that it is you may have a duty of care extending to the middle of the river or canal!

Even if you live miles from these water sources, you may still be at risk from surface water, groundwater aquifers, drainage or sewer flooding. However, the management of flood risk from surface water, groundwater and minor rivers and streams is the responsibility the local authorities. In general, the risk from surface flooding is extremely difficult to pinpoint and is also on the rise, possibly due to a reduction of natural urban drainage from gardens.

Flooding may occur in places not previously known to be at risk, which is why having your own flood plan is often a sensible precaution.

The management of risk from drainage and sewage overflow is the duty of water companies. If you have reason to believe your home or business is at danger from these types of flooding, you should contact these agencies as they may become the party liable if you ever need to put in an insurance claim for flooding.

I Think I’m at Risk of Flooding. What Should I Do?

After you have checked the Environment Agency (EA) flood maps and had a look at the resilience of your property, the next priority is insurance. The EA works under an agreement with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) (http://www.abi.org.uk) to try and ensure that the vast majority of properties can be insured against flood risk.

What Should I do About Flood Insurance?

In areas where the risk of flooding is considered ‘significant’ (a more than 1 in 75 annual chance of flooding) but where Flood Defences are due to be improved within five years, ABI members will continue to provide cover, and this includes owners of new-build homes. In areas of significant risk where no improvements are planned, insurers cannot guarantee to insure a property but will work on a case-by-case basis to seek preventative or remedial measures and enable cover to be obtained.

For advice and help if you have been affected by the floods, Contact Geoff Williams at Cherry and Griffiths Independent Loss Asseessors via www.cherryandgriffiths.co.uk

For help with protecting your business you may want help. Contact an experienced Insurance specialist at www.bucklandharvester.co.uk