BUSINESSES could save about £1,000 a year for every worker they employ by bringing in simple energy saving measures.

The advice on how to save money on energy bills was given to companies at a meeting of York's Green Business Club.

For every computer turned off in an office each evening, a business saves £63 per year, it was claimed.

The third York Green Business Club breakfast meeting was held in partnership with York and North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum at the Guildhall yesterday.

Small businesses spend a total of £2.3 billion a year on energy, and with prices rising by about 40 per cent, it is becoming more costly.

But most firms can swiftly cut their heating, lighting and power costs by ten per cent or more without any capital investment, it was claimed. And with investment, savings of between 20 and 50 per cent are possible, making firms more profitable and competitive.

Computers and monitors account for about half the energy wasted in an office every day.

For a business running 100 computers, an annual saving of £6,300 can be made just by switching them off each night. NetRegs, the environmental agency, claims that small and medium businesses can save about £1,000 per employee per year by following basic energy efficiency guidance.

The meeting was held as warnings were given of a severe winter ahead, leading to predictions of high energy use for companies.

Representatives from Npower and Energy Efficiency Advice Centre provided information and guidance to members on how to be prepared. And a speaker from Energywatch also gave advice to small businesses having problems with their energy suppliers.

The long-term aim of the business club is to show York's commitment to the environment and work in partnership with others to enhance it.

At a previous meeting in July, more than 40 firms heard about how to reduce paper use and become involved in cardboard and paper recycling in the city.

The club aims to help firms network and share good business practice, as well ensure less waste is sent to landfill sites and emitted into the atmosphere.

It is free to join to any business or organisation in York and runs regular seminars on environmental issues.

More information is available from the Business Environmental Forum by emailing bef@blyny.co.uk

Updated: 11:09 Friday, December 09, 2005