Businesses urged to attend Surrey’s first Open Energy event

With energy prices predicted to rise by 60% over the next decade Surrey’s first Open Energy event for businesses will show how money can be saved, income generated and environmental credentials improved, simply by introducing renewable energy measures into a business.

Organised by Surrey County Council, the event will support Surrey’s own ambition to combat climate change by bringing together sustainable businesses, promoting the responsible use of resources and encouraging a greener future.

The event includes a half-day conference on 17 May with guest speakers from the Carbon Trust, University of Surrey and social enterprise, ‘Bricks and Bread’ with many more to be confirmed. On 18 and 19 May, organisations and businesses in Surrey who are already involved in energy saving and renewable energy technologies, are offering site tours to businesses who are interested to see and hear about the benefits renewable energy can bring, showcasing the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces across Surrey, to combat climate change.

Dr Lynne Hack, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment explains: “The effective use of energy is becoming increasingly important and Open Energy Surrey will be a chance for businesses to find out about the Government incentives for renewable energy and learn how they can cut costs, generate income and green their business.”

For most businesses, energy usage is the largest contributor to their carbon footprint. To prevent this, businesses can improve their energy efficiency by reducing their energy usage and ensuring that what is used is more productive, while also investing in sustainable energy.

Mark Pearson, CEO of Surrey Economic Partnership and Chair of the conference thinks it’s important for businesses to attend. He says: “To ensure that Surrey remains a ‘powerhouse economy’, it’s important that Surrey businesses embrace the many opportunities available to them. They can make a name for themselves through developing new low carbon products and services.”

Booking is essential for both the conference and the site tours. To book a free place or for more details on guest speakers and confirmed organisations offering site tours, visit Surrey Open Energy or contact Bronwen Fisher, Open Energy Surrey co-ordinator on 020 8541 8538 or

bronwen.fisher@surreycc.gov.uk.