A free energy club starting up in Market Harborough in September could save local businesses thousands of pounds on their energy bills.
The Harborough Bus
iness Energy Club, which is being led by Sustainable Harborough and assisted by Gaia Active, aims to help local businesses analyse, control and reduce their energy consumption as well as investing in more sustainable energy solutions. Organisers are looking to encourage as many local businesses as possible to attend the free event as a way of saving money on energy bills and lowering their carbon footprint.
The club will launch on Thursday 18th September by holding an inaugural breakfast meeting for any businesses interested in getting involved. The meeting will be held at The Angel Hotel in Market Harborough from 8.30am to 10.30am, with subsequent meetings being held regularly after that.
Andrew Wallace from Sustainable Harborough is encouraged by the interest so far. “We hope that local businesses will take full advantage of this timely opportunity to reduce their energy costs whilst contributing to reducing the emissions produced in the Harborough area,” he says.
Member businesses will be able to discuss available grants, equipment that they have found useful and share best practice for reducing energy bills. There will also be regular guest speakers giving updates on legislation and providing advice about the most effective ways of reducing energy consumption and making businesses more environmentally responsible.
Haydn Young, MD of GAIA Active Limited and founder of www.theenergyclub.org comments “There are now energy clubs setting up all over the UK, and I’m delighted that Harborough is the latest town to take the initiative on board.“
Some local businesses have also been involved in setting up the club. Chris Topham of participating firm Abtec feels that the club will be a useful source of support for local companies. “I believe it will be a great way to learn and share practical steps in reducing energy use,” he comments. “In fact, I have been surprised at the level of expertise we have here in the energy sector in Harborough.”
Any companies that are interested in getting involved should call 01858 466 207 or visit www.sustainableharborough.co.uk for more information.
Sustainable Harborough is a five year project funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Communities Living Sustainably programme, working with householders, businesses and local producers to raise awareness of sustainability in the community. The organisation offers practical support to individuals and groups who want to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance the environment in which they live and work.
