05 February 2010

Energy Efficiency drive gives 21st century high street a new look
Government energy scheme could spell the end for all-night lights and dazzling window displays

Walk down your local high street this evening and you'd be forgiven for thinking that everything was still open. From shoe shops to supermarkets, the lights are on - as are the flat screens and the illuminated signs - but no-one's home.

But this year that could change, thanks to a new government scheme which will require businesses to record their energy use and from 2011, pay by the tonne for the carbon that they emit.

Businesses using more than 6000MWh electricity per year, equivalent to about £500,000 worth, must register for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme between April and September this year, rocketing energy efficiency to the top of the corporate agenda for some five thousand UK businesses.

Household name supermarkets, clothing retailers and restaurant chains are among the top sectors affected by the CRC - and are likely to be challenging their staff to reduce energy use. The days of leaving doors open to encourage customers in and leaving lights on 24 hours a day will be left behind as high street retailers look for the quick wins in the race to cut carbon emissions.

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