Boost for businesses with launch of energy efficiency scheme at North East university

Businesses are due to get an energy efficiency boost due to a new initiative being supported by a North East university.

Teesside University, which is based in Middlesbrough, is running free courses to help SMEs across Europe audit their energy usage and make cost savings.

The courses are being offered through SMEmPower Efficiency, an initiative funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, which aims to help European businesses develop their capacity to implement energy saving measures.

The courses will be delivered by staff from Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies and begin on the week of September 27, consisting of nine weekly three-hour long sessions.

Technical support will be provided to participating SMEs for up to six months, aiming to help them achieve their energy efficiency targets.

Siobhan Fenton, associate dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) at Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, said: “The impact of over-consumption on energy on the planet has been well documented.”

She continued: “As well as the environmental consequences, energy wastage can also have an adverse effect on a business’s bottom line. At Teesside University we work hard to help businesses succeed and grow while making a positive contribution to society.”

She finished: “Therefore we are delighted to be offering this course which will support SME business leaders to make informed choices about the correct interventions they need to make to reduce energy wastage, helping make their companies more sustainable both ecologically and financially.”