Small businesses could benefit from loans to install building management systems

Being able to access a cashback loan in order to install a building management system (BMS), or indeed any other type of energy saving feature would perhaps sway more small businesses in reviewing their current energy spending and deciding to tackle it head-on.

This type of initiative is now being rolled out across Scotland, where small businesses could save up to £8,000 on average each year by making the most of a new 'cashback' scheme to reward energy efficiency improvements.

As part of the scheme announced by Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government, eligible small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) applying for an interest-free, unsecured loan will be able to receive a 30% cashback payment, limited to £10,000, upon completion of their energy efficiency improvements.

These improvements are likely to centre around investments in LED lighting, the installation of more efficient heating systems and improving the insulation of buildings.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said: "Improving energy efficiency is one of the smartest ways that businesses in Scotland can hold onto their hard-earned profits and make a real difference to the bottom line.

"In addition to benefits for individual businesses, reducing the environmental impact of Scotland's energy needs will bring us closer to the low carbon energy future set out in Scotland's Energy Strategy — generating benefits for Scotland's economy as well as the environment."

HeatingSave building management system (BMS) — the perfect energy and money-saving solution for SMEs

SME owners who're particularly worried about the adverse effects energy price hikes might have on their bottom lines should seriously consider investing in a high-end solution designed specifically to help them optimize their energy consumption, and this is specifically where the HeatingSave Building Energy Management System could help.

By using data coming from a variety of sources (boiler flow and return sensors, internal and external temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, humidity sensors, etc.), HeatingSave optimizes a building's boiler-based central heating system and helps customers save anywhere between 20 and 30%+ on their bills.

HeatingSave is also approved to work and save fuel within the Energy Technology List, which is managed by the Carbon Trust on behalf of the Government. It is also approved by the Department of Energy & Climate Change and the Energy Savings Trust and was specified by the Building Research Establishment for the energy efficient homes retro-fit program, called The Greenhouse Project.