We have recently been working in partnership with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Leek Chamber of Trade helping to deliver a money saving and carbon busting project across Leek specifically aimed at small- and medium-size businesses.

Using funding provided by the Staffordshire Aggregate Levy Grant Scheme - a scheme intended to support environmental and community projects in areas affected by quarrying activity - six Leek businesses have now received free lighting surveys and generously subsidised low energy lighting makeovers.

The businesses involved (Colloco Homeware and Gifts, Monty's Fish and Chips, Photoprint, Avenue Interiors, CTD architects, and AH Brooks and Co Solicitors) have also been supplied with WeSave on-line energy monitoring accounts which use regular meter readings to build up an accurate picture of energy usage. Energy savings are made possible by installing low energy lighting, changing behaviour, by using low energy electronic goods, or by switching to more efficient and/or renewable heating sources. Changing light bulbs is probably the simplest way to begin saving energy, money, and reducing any businesses' carbon footprint, and it is this simple first step that has been taken in the last few months by small businesses in Leek.

The lighting makeovers took place in late June so data will emerge over the coming months which can be captured via WeSave and analysed to assess exactly how much money and electricity has been saved, and also to estimate reductions in carbon emissions. In total £2300 pounds has been spent on replacing existing lighting with low energy replacements across the six businesses, with each of the businesses involved providing 25% of the lighting costs. MEA estimate this will save the six business in the region of £2300 overall (i.e. the lighting should pay for itself in about a year) and will cut CO2 emissions by about 10 tonnes in total.

Keith Montgomery from Monty's Fish and Chips displays a low energy T5 fluorescent tube with electronic high frequency control gear. These replace older electromagnetic controls and use around 40% less electricity than a traditional strip light.

Keith Montgomery of Monty's Fish and Chips opted for the highest number of light fittings with a total of 68 bulbs and tubes being replaced. MEA estimate this £800 pound investment in low energy lighting should save in the region of 5,140 units or kWh (Kilowatt hours) of electricity per annum. This equates to an estimated cash saving of £500-£600 per annum (based on Keith paying on average 11 - 12 p per unit) or, in terms of carbon footprint, an amazing 2.7 tonne reduction in CO2 emissions! WeSave will enable Keith and other participating businesses to monitor their energy usage before and after the lighting was installed, giving them the opportunity to work out whether these estimated savings add up in real terms.

MEA in partnership with Leek Chamber of Trade are hoping to expand the lighting makeover work in Leek if further funding can be secured. It is envisage a similar package to the one described in this article will be offered to Leek businesses if more funding can be found. If any local businesses are interested in finding out more please get in touch with the Low Carbon Communities team at Marches Energy Agency via simon@mea.org.uk