Businesses urged to embrace a greener Christmas

Firms can ensure they have a greener Christmas and cut their end-of-year energy bills by adhering to a number of simple tips, according to green business charity the Business Environment Partnership (BEP).

The organisation has released a list of seasonal environmental best practices designed to help firms cut their environmental footprint over the next week and position themselves for further improvements in the new year.

Most notably, businesses are advised to reduce heating temperatures to minimum levels and make sure taps and electrical equipment are switched off when staff leave the office for the extended Christmas break.

However, the charity also advised that businesses could cut the environmental impact of their seasonal activities by sending e-cards to clients and partners instead of paper ones, using energy-efficient Christmas lights, and ensuring that any office Christmas trees are properly recycled after the holidays.

The new year is also a good time for businesses to launch environmental initiatives, according to the BEP, which urged firms to cancel unused magazine subscriptions and organise energy-efficiency campaigns for staff.

The group added that it will offer free onsite energy audits for any business that wants to turn over a new leaf and improve its energy efficiency in the new year.