According to the results of a nationwide survey by NatWest conducted in September, 53 per cent of SMEs had either started training their staff in energy efficiency or planned to do so in the next 12 months.
Understandably, given the more energy-intensive nature of their activities, manufacturers (66 per cent) were more likely to train staff in energy efficiency than service providers (50 per cent).
When asked about their training methods, respondents often noted efforts to instil diligence among staff in energy use and conservation, including low energy lighting, refrigeration awareness, eliminating unnecessary use of power and even doing research on potential upgrades to heating systems.
Examples of easy-to-follow advice for SMEs can be found through initiatives such as the Energy Saving Trust and Action Renewables.
“Energy costs are a huge issue for businesses, as well as households, and it’s clear that SMEs are prioritising skills that will help them establish more energy efficient practices and help future-proof their business across energy price volatility in the longer term,” commented Andrew Harrison, head of business banking at NatWest Group.
“It’s great news for companies, employees and the environment that businesses are becoming more committed to boosting green skills.”
Staff training on energy efficiency and other sustainability activities is even more prevalent among larger companies, with some 78 per cent of large businesses reporting training initiatives involving saving energy.
Several recent reports have found that changing people’s behaviour is absolutely crucial to not only tackling the cost of energy crisis but also meeting the UK’s net zero targets.
A landmark report from the House of Lords shows that achieving net zero is simply not possible without engaging people to change their behaviour, with a third of the UK’s targeted greenhouse gas reductions requiring individuals to either adopt low carbon technologies, switch to alternative products and services or reduce their consumption.
Meanwhile, the Social Market Foundation think tank has concluded that a national information campaign encouraging people to reduce their energy consumption through practical tips over the winter would save households hundreds of pounds and the save the Treasury £9 billion.