THE vast majority of Britain's energy bills are footed by business and industry.

And the business world represents the single biggest drain on the country's energy supplies - over 60 per cent of the energy generated in Britain goes to non-domestic users.

But with ever increasing energy costs, the introduction of new legislation and the need to reserve precious energy resources such as oil, coal and gas, companies simply cannot afford to ignore the need to reduce their energy consumption.

The government is keen to reduce Britain's greenhouse gas emissions and that means promoting energy efficiency in the workplace.

Today we look at the steps two East Lancashire companies are taking to make their businesses more environmentally friendly and cut their costs.

And there is plenty of help on hand for businesses who want to follow their lead.

The Blackburn Business Environment Association is now in its successful third year.

The association can provide valuable information and advice.

Spokesman Mike Kinsella explained: "We were set up in 1993 and our membership is growing all the time.

"Now we have 142 members and we give them regular updates about changes in legislation and new developments that can help them go green and save energy.

"We can also do a full green audit for any company. We look at the whole business and point out where important changes could be made."

For more information about the BEA call 01254 676747.

Next week we look at energy saving in an East Lancashire school.

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