Wasted energy will cost £139m

Poor energy efficiency will cost the retail and wholesale industries£139 million this summer, according to the latest figures from the Carbon Trust.

Wasted summer energy emissions amount to 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and 20 per cent of their total energy spend.

Carbon Trust director of delivery and external relations Dr Gerry Felgate said: 'Businesses in wholesale and the retail industry are wasting millions on energy, hitting the environment and their bottom line. Reputational issues are also a consideration. A recent ICM survey showed that 51 per cent of UK consumers would be willing to boycott a company if its products harmed the environment.'

Businesses with energy bills topping£50,000 can apply for a free survey by a Carbon Trust consultant and may be eligible for interest-free loans of£100,000 to invest in energy efficient equipment.