Most New Zealand businesses could substantially improve their bottom line by tackling energy use and eliminating waste, says EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

A Statistics New Zealand business survey, reported yesterday, said that a third of businesses in the industrial and trade sectors think it is impossible to save more energy than they already are. It also found that a third had no energy-saving initiatives in place, while 57% of companies surveyed monitored their energy use or cost.

"A minority of these companies think there is little they can do to save energy. In most cases they will be surprised - as there will be significant opportunities there for the plucking," Mr Underhill said.

"We know from our own research that business owners have very little time or capital free to investigate energy-saving options, and I think these findings reflect that. The reality is that even for small businesses running little more than a van, there will be savings there to be found - and the bottom-line benefits can make an enormous difference. Particularly when margins are tight," said Mr Underhill.

"We have worked with many varied businesses that have succeeded in cutting overheads and improving their competitiveness through saving energy. Even those running at best practice would say that there are always more opportunities to reduce energy use and cost - without compromising the product."

EECA estimates there is as much as $2 billion per annum that could in time be saved across the business sector.

Results from EECA's energy audit programme show that on average, companies can shave 20% off their energy use and costs - 10% at little or no cost and a further 10% with a simple payback of less than five years. Typically, for every dollar invested in an energy audit, $7.50 of energy savings are identified.

EECA offers a range of programmes to assist businesses. As well as funding energy audits and technology projects, there are specialists available to assess compressed air systems, a bounty scheme to replace electric motors, and a range of subsidised efficient lighting products to suit most business applications. Under EECA's business grants programme, up to $50,000 could be available for energy-related projects at companies spending $250,000 or more on energy annually.

Mr Underhill urged businesses to look at the tools, information and guidance available on the EECA Business website and where necessary, seek specialist advice.

eeca.govt.nz