UK Government should “re-launch” the Green Deal for the non-domestic sector and help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) access cheap loans for energy efficiency improvements according to a new report, writes Energy Live News.
The study – published jointly by the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum and Carbon Connect – claims a “lack of available upfront capital” is one of the barriers for many SMEs, especially micro-businesses and suggests a re-launch would “rekindle the interest” of potential customers.
It recommends conducting a ‘street-by-street’ roll-out and also setting up a ‘hub’ website hosted by DECC that provides guidance on all non-domestic efficiency schemes as well as a database for the energy performance of UK commercial buildings.
The report argues that significant benefits – including reduced energy bills, increased competitiveness and improved worker productivity – are being missed by UK companies unable to undertake efficiency improvements. It also warns of a “widespread lack of understanding” of the advantages of energy efficiency at senior management level across the UK.