Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine removed about 75bn cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas from international markets. The current crisis in the middle east already represents a loss of 140 bcm of gas, which only means one thing – the price of energy will increase. So what can we do to address this, and is there anything we can do that won't break the bank.

The following table is based on a typical repairer site covering 1000 sqm, employing 20 staff, repairing 50 cars per week, noting approximate £s, kWh, and tCO2e savings over one year, and subject to individual circumstances. You will see there are some options.

The Carbon Trust estimates that most organisations can save 10 percent off their energy bills through no or relatively low-cost measures. This consists of turning off lights and equipment when not using them, retaining heat by closing windows and doors, and asking or challenging staff to think of further energy reducing initiatives. Staff engagement is key and can be encouraged in many forms, such as targets, goals, and challenges. We will add more to this in the weeks to come, with case studies, comment, and detail from repairers.

Another quick win for carbon reduction is to sign up with your electricity supplier to the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) scheme, administered by Ofgem. This certifies electricity generated from renewable sources and can vastly reduce or permanently eliminate your Scope 2 carbon emissions. See www.ofgem.gov.uk.
Like the saying goes 'the more I practice, the luckier I get' so it will need some investment in time to reap the rewards that are clearly there. Good luck with your endeavours.

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