Wilts, the largest independent electrical wholesaler, has undergone a major business re-haul for its new energy saving scheme. The brief was to look at all aspects of the business over the last two years, to see how energy and costs could be saved to benefit both Wilts and the planet. Already the business is looking to save between 60% and 80% of gas usage a year and 10% of electricity usage.
The new energy management system will include automatic meter readings for all electricity; this reduces wastage by ensuring Wilts only purchases the amount it needs. It also identifies where peak usage times are and why, so Wilts can look at methods to reduce them. Coupled with this, all energy use will be monitored, which will show all gas, electric, water and oil used at each site, and as a company as a whole. From this Wilts will be able to produce energy usage by person, by square foot, and the carbon footprint for each branch and for the company.
The main warehouse in Trowbridge has had all of its gas heating turned off and replaced with halogen heating, which is an estimated saving of £40,000 per annum at current rates. In place of gas, halogen heating has also been fitted in 31 branches with a further 21 branches to be converted by the end of the year.
Replacing old computers with flat screens saved 238 watts each, and replacing the auto flush urinals with manual flushes saved over 250,000 litres of water a year. Further plans include solar panels for hot water and heating in the offices within the next 12 months.
Nigel Arbury, Fleet and Facilities Manager commented, “This is not just a one off project, it is a permanent policy driven by our own initiative. We have taken our time to seriously review all waste and energy needs and will continue to review these annually, making reductions wherever possible.”
Based in Trowbridge, Wilts employs over 600 people across 73 outlets, offering 26,000 product lines and enjoys sales of £114 million. For more information visit www.wilts.co.uk or call Michelle McCarthy, Voicebox 0118 9635 946.
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