Top ten tips to help your business save money and increase efficiency

1. Turn off office equipment when you're not using it - overnight, at weekends and during bank holidays. Savings on just a single computer and monitor could be up to £35 a year.

2. Cut lighting costs by as much as 15% by turning off lights in empty rooms and replacing bulbs with energy saving ones.

3. A constantly dripping tap can cost your business about £400 per year. Make sure you turn off taps fully and fix any drips.

4. Save 4% of your turnover with waste management techniques such as partnering with other businesses to recycle waste or selling it to be used as raw materials.

5. Save 8% on your company's heating bill by turning the thermostat down one degree.

6. Ask your suppliers about take-back schemes for unused products.  You may be able to get your money back, or at least a portion of the cost.

7. Save up to 1 month's worth of fuel over a year through smarter driving such as reducing load and good maintenance.

8. Invest in efficient equipment to cut your energy and water costs.  Government support includes interest-free energy efficiency loans delivered through the Carbon Trust.

9. To refill an inkjet cartridge costs about half the price of a new one.  Use email where possible, set your PC to print double-sided and refill printer, fax and photocopier cartridges.

10. Always publicise your commitment to reducing your environmental impact.

More than a third of consumers would favour recyclable products or those with minimal packaging.  Article courtesy of www.businesslink.gov.uk