British Gas Business Launches their 'CRC Manager'

LEICESTER, England, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- British Gas Business has launched 'CRC Manager' ahead of the implementation of the Government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme on 1st April 2010.

Over the past 12 months British Gas Business has been listening to its customers and conducted a wide-ranging CRC education initiative in both the private and public sectors to help companies and organisations understand the impact of the legislation, and how best to take advantage of the early action metric.

Responding to feedback from customers who are concerned about the impending legislation, with many in need of support around CRC, the new service was created and will be delivered by the Energy360 team from British Gas Business. CRC Manager will make it easier for businesses not only to comply with the new CRC legislation, but also to use it as an opportunity to drive cost efficiencies from within.

CRC Manager will assure compliance with the regulations, in the context of a business energy reduction strategy. The service provides:

• Collection and recording of all emissions data
• Quantification and monitoring of energy usage and CO2 emissions throughout the year
• Forecast annual carbon emissions (electricity, gas and fuels used on sites)
• Clarity on the complexities associated with organisational structure issues
• Creation or refinement of carbon and energy strategy
• Tailored recommendations on how to reduce energy and carbon usage and help to implement them

Jeff Whittingham, Director of Energy Services at British Gas Business, said: "There is confusion amongst many UK businesses and public sector organisations around the CRC energy efficiency legislation and how the different variables will impact their business - from understanding league table metrics to the number of allowances they will need to purchase, making compliance difficult. Often there isn't even an individual within the business who is tasked with monitoring and adhering to these regulations. By allowing companies to plan their energy reduction strategy, based on accurate results and forecasts, CRC Manager both helps with compliance as well as using the opportunity to commercial advantage."

"The service forms part of a wider package of energy management services providing advice and support on energy and fuel efficiency, and puts companies back in control by helping them comply with the new Government scheme."

According to the Government, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is expected to affect up to 20,000 UK organisations - specifically businesses with an annual electricity bill of over GBP500,000, all of whom must make individual commitments towards reducing their carbon emissions.

Alongside the requirement to reduce their carbon emissions, the annual October publication of a CRC performance league table will put the spotlight on the best and worst performers. As the legislation comes into effect, this will create both reputational benefits and risks depending on  businesses' position in the league table.

For more information about CRC Manager, please visit http://www.energy360.co.uk/crc

About British Gas Business

British Gas Business offer a range of products and services tailored to the business market, including fixed price energy contracts, boiler and central heating services, an online business insurance comparison service, and a connections and metering service for new energy supplies, conversions and upgrades.

For tips on reducing your business energy consumption and for more general energy efficiency advice customers can visit http://www.britishgas.co.uk/business.

Contact, Kate Saner, [email protected], +44(0)20-7260-2700

SOURCE British Gas Business