HIE and SEPA Join Forces To Help Firms Cut Energy Costs

29th January 2009

A free event advising on renewable energy for businesses is to be held in Inverness on Tuesday, February 3 2009. The focus of the event is on-site renewable energy for business.

Highlands and Islands Resource Efficiency Project (HIREP) is a scheme run by Synergie Scotland on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), which provides free advice and assistance from experts in resource efficiency to help businesses cut costs and improve environmental performance

The rising cost of traditional energy supplies - ie natural gas, oil and grid electricity - have focused attention on the potential for meeting business energy needs through on-site renewable energy generation. For a growing number of businesses, these 'micro-generation' technologies could offer significant cost and environmental benefits.

This business lunch event will provide a comprehensive overview of relevant micro-renewable energy technology for business, covering wind, biomass, ground-source heat pumps and solar hot water. The event will also provide a valuable insight into how to access the feasibility of different technologies and how to finance projects, as well as detailed local case study illustration.

The event will be of interest to any business seeking to find out more about the practicalities of assessing and implementing an on-site renewable energy project, including the potential cost and environmental benefits.

Specific topics include, an overview of small-scale renewable energy technologies, feasibility and site assessment and finance for small scale renewable energy projects.

Anne Murray, HIE's head of enterprise solutions, said: "We are all acutely aware of the difficulties in the current economic climate. Not only will reducing waste and cutting down on energy and water use help the environment, it will also save businesses money. This event aims to help businesses cut through the jargon and myths surrounding renewable energy technologies."

Jacqueline Macmillan, Waste Strategy Coordinator for SEPA, said "We all have a role to play in limiting climate change by conserving resources and creating low carbon energy solutions. SEPA hopes that small, medium and large businesses take this opportunity to learn more about good environmental practice and the economic benefits associated with on-site renewable energy."

The event will be held at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness from 11am to 2pm.

For more information, including details on how to register, please visit www.synergiescotland.co.uk/hirep