Released on: January 31, 2008, 6:40 am

Press Release Author: Kerry Poulter, Opus Energy

Industry: Energy

Press Release Summary: Over a third (36%) of UK workers are more likely to waste
energy in the workplace than at home according to research out today from Opus
Energy, a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses. Indeed male
workers were shown to be the worst culprits in contrast to their female
counterparts.


Press Release Body:
The research, which surveyed 1,140 working adults, found that despite people taking
proactive energy saving steps at home, such as switching off lights and not
overfilling the kettle, when it came to the office they tended to ignore these
steps. Worryingly, one in five workers say that they are not taking any steps at all
to be more environmentally responsible in the workplace.

By looking at simple energy saving techniques that can be used both at home and
work, the Opus Energy survey found that there was significant inconsistency in
people's behaviour. For example, whilst 74% of workers unplug their phone charger
at home after use, just 30% do this in the workplace. Over two thirds of workers
(69%) are also more likely to overfill the kettle when making a cup of tea for
colleagues, despite over 80% taking being cautious not to when at home.

At home, 91% of people were careful to ensure that lights were switched off when not
in use; however at work just 56% thought to do this. Similarly, workers are 20% less
likely to switch appliances off at the mains overnight in their workplace than at
home. Whilst larger offices do not always allow workers to switch lights off, this
does not excuse the third of workers who continue to leave individual appliances
such as computer monitors switched on but not in use.

For the most part, female workers were marginally more likely to take energy saving
steps at home and at work than men. For example in the home, 79% of women said they
unplugged their phone, compared with 71% of men. In the workplace, 41% of women
were cautious not to overfill the kettle, whilst just 34% of men claimed they also
took this energy saving step.

This increased diligence in energy saving at home may be caused in part by being
responsible for the energy bills each month. Despite threats of global warming,
without the direct financial impact of energy bills to incentivise in the workplace,
employees seem unwilling to take responsibility for their electricity consumption.

Louise Boland, Director for Opus Energy who is in charge of renewable energy
sourcing commented on the findings:

"It could be the case that employees feel less pressure to be green at work because
they are not directly accountable for the energy bills each month. Companies that
wish to reduce their carbon emissions and cut costs should encourage their workforce
to ensure they take basic steps towards saving energy. Switching off PCs overnight
and using double sided photocopies and printouts are just a few of the ways UK
businesses can be more energy efficient, as well make financial savings."

Opus Energy works with UK businesses to help them reduce their carbon footprint by
sourcing cleaner fuel and offering energy efficient technology, such as smart
meters. Its website has tips for simple steps to achieve energy savings in the
workplace. Opus Energy specialises in providing cleaner electricity at lower prices
to UK businesses. Last year, 66% of its energy came from cleaner low-carbon sources
- 47% from renewable generators and 19% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
produced by CHP generators.


Web Site: http://www.opusenergy.com

Contact Details: Opus Energy
1st Floor, Beaver House
23-38 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
OX1 2EP

T: 01865 264726
E: kerry.poulter@opusenergy.com