Time is ticking for manufacturers who need to reduce their carbon emissions before the government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme kicks off in April 2010.
The CRC scheme will put a price on carbon emissions from energy use, enforcing organisations to buy allowances equal to their annual emissions. However, a 'cap' will be placed on the total allowances available to each group of CRC participants, in order to achieve the overall emissions reduction target.

Rising energy prices is one of the biggest worries facing British manufacturers in 2010 according to research released by The Carbon Trust on February 9.

More than half of manufacturers surveyed said they are worried about energy price hikes, yet more than one in 10 said no one in their organisation was responsible for managing energy consumption and controlling costs.

The research forms part of the Trust's new 'Best Advice' campaign, launched by Kingfisher's group ceo, Ian Cheshire.

The campaign aims to persuade British companies to stop wasting over £3bn of energy each year.

All businesses spending between £50,000 and £3m on energy each year can apply for a carbon survey which typically identifies potential energy cost savings of between 20% and 30%.

The survey provides the services of an on-site energy expert and a tailored energy-saving action plan.

Gardening products manufacturer Marshall's has significantly cut its energy costs and saved 2,000 tonnes of CO2 since receiving a Carbon Trust survey in 2008.

It is now urging other manufacturers to take advantage of what Mr Cheshire called "the best free advice any business will get this year."

Marshall's group marketing director Chris Harrop said: "Manufacturers, as energy intensive businesses, have a lot to lose from energy wastage. Smart energy management not only cuts costs but also makes manufacturers more productive and improves their reputation with customers."

Organisations are eligible for CRC if they (and their subsidiaries) have at least one half-hourly electricity meter settled on the half-hourly market, or if their total half-hourly electricity consumption exceeded 6,000 megawatt-hours during 2008.

Qualifying organisations must comply legally with the scheme or face financial and other penalties.

For information about the CRC scheme email CRCHELP@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Businesses spending £50,000 or more on energy consumption can contact www.thebestadvice.co.uk or call 01865 885788 for more information or to register for a free carbon survey.

Businesses spending less than £50,000 cam get free, expert advice via a new 'Cut Carbon, Cut Costs' online tutorial at www.carbontrust.co.uk/onlinetraining.