Learning the lessons from a regional industrial energy efficiency initiative

Industry accounts for 29% of UK energy use, placing energy efficiency in this sector as a fundamental to sustainable development. Given that 99% of UK industrial companies are Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) supportive initiatives in this area have the potential for significant savings and impact. This paper present a deep reflection of a local government project called “SUSTAIN Lincolnshire – Phase 2” to improve the energy efficiency of industrial SMEs within its region. A critical analysis will centre on the problems of co-ordinating and encouraging a large number of SME to become pro-active in this area. This starts with the importance of clearly defined and understood requirements, through engagement and activities with SME, to achievements attainable beyond the project. Currently, many Councils, leasing with universities, have numerous initiatives, similar in style to the project considered. The critical analysis in this paper will allow those project initiators and stakeholders to take advantage of the lessons learned when developing similar projects.