Reducing your energy use isn’t just good for our planet, it’s great news for your business’s bottom line too. In fact, advisers from the Scottish Government’s Resource Efficient Scotland programme typically find that by taking action to reduce their energy use, Scottish small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can easily slash 24% off their energy costs – and there’s never been a better time to act.
The Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme is helping businesses across Scotland to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.
Over £26 million of unsecured, interest-free loans have already been provided to Scottish SMEs – and over 1,000 cost-saving, profit-boosting projects have been supported.
Right now, while funds last, SMEs that use the loan to install eligible measures will receive 15% cashback on completion of their project (to a maximum value of £10,000).
The loan can be used to implement a wide range of resource efficiency measures to help you cut costs and carbon emissions. For instance, investing in new LED lighting, installing more efficient heating systems and insulation or upgrading machinery and IT equipment – the list goes on.
Taking out an interest-free loan to cut energy bills and also receive 15% cashback really is a win-win for your business. A good example can be seen at Ayrshire-based textile producer Robert Mackie of Scotland which used the interest-free loan to upgrade its knitting machines to a more energy efficient model, creating annual savings of £96,760 and 40.8 tonnes of carbon.
Another manufacturing business that has benefitted from an SME loan is Eyemouth Freezers, an independent food-processing company based in Eyemouth. The company used the loan to install new LED lights and upgrade its equipment, and is now set to save over £30,000 a year.
And it’s not just manufacturing businesses that can make savings. Highland Farm Cottages used the SME loan to fund new heating and solar PV installations, saving over £19k on its energy costs. Offices up and down the country can benefit too by installing new lighting and heating or even just upgrading IT equipment, like MBM print did.
So, what are you waiting for? To find out how your business could benefit, contact Resource Efficient Scotland’s friendly advisers today by calling
0808 808 2268 or emailing enquiries@resourceefficientscotland.com. Or visit their website.
