Business Energy Users Survey - Winter 2008/09 - Moffatt Associates

npower Business Energy Index 2009npower Business Energy Index 20093.7 Do you think the UK should play a leading role in the reduction ofcarbon emissions?Response SMEs (6) MEUs (6) All (6)SME specific questions3.8 Do you know how to convert your energy utilisation into equivalent CO2 emissions?Yes 71% 61% 68%Breakdown by number of employeesBreakdown by regionNo 29% 39% 32%ResponseAll SMEs10-24Employees25 - 49Employees50 - 100Employees Midlands North ScotlandSouthEastSouthWestWales•Both MEUs and SMEs were in favour of the UK playinga leading role in the reduction of carbon emissions.Yes 14% 11% 16% 16% 17% 10% 17% 10% 3% 27%No 86% 89% 84% 84% 83% 90% 83% 90% 97% 73%•Amongst MEUs, there was least support frommanufacturing (47%) compared with 88% of thepublic sector and 69% of the service sector.•Of all 200 SME respondents, only 14% indicated thatthey know how to convert their energy utilisation intoCO 2 emissions.•Regionally only 3% of SMEs in the South West couldconvert their energy utilisation into the equivalentCO 2 emissions, this rose to between 10-17% for theother regions with the exception of Wales, where 27%said they were able to perform this conversion.Do you think the UK should play a leading role in the reduction ofcarbon emissions? If no why not?Selected comments3.9 Are you aware that DEFRA recently published new guidelines regarding howto convert your energy usage into CO2 emissions? (for recording purposes)SMEs“We are a tiny country in a vast world and othercountries really need to make changes to makea big difference. It is no good to keep taxingthe British over climate if other countries are notplaying their part.”“There shouldn’t be any leading role. Everyoneshould participate. It should be a globalinitiative.”“I think the amount of carbon emissionBritain makes (about 2%) is negligible andthe Government is forcing companies to payfor reduction and it is making the countryuneconomic.”MEUs“Not a leading role. It should be led by the majorout-putters like the US, China, India. It shouldnot put us at a disadvantage.”“Not if it compromises the UK’s trading position.Either everyone does it, or not!”“We are not one of the greatest producers. Thereis no point bankrupting a business just becauseit is not green - it is not worth bankrupting thecountry for the sake of being green.”“Britain is a small island where political aspirationoutweighs reality. We are sacrificing our industrialheritage and being crucified onthe green altar.”ResponseBreakdown by number of employeesAll SMEs10-24Employees25 - 49Employees50 - 100Employees Midlands North ScotlandBreakdown by regionYes 12% 8% 20% 13% 19% 11% 20% 17% 4% 0%No 88% 92% 80% 87% 81% 89% 80% 83% 96% 100%•Only 12% of the SMEs were aware of these DEFRAguidelines.SouthEastSouthWestWales4445