Firms are being urged to power down their office machines over the xmas and new year period to reduce their carbon footprint, and slash 75% off their power costs to boot.

Leading energy procurement and carbon strategy consultancy Power Efficiency has called on British businesses to switch off all but essential equipment over the xmas period between xmas eve and 4 January.

As a result, Power Efficiency predicts that companies could see up to a 75% reduction in their energy costs over this 11 day period. Desktop computers and printers, document copiers and scanners, heating, air conditioning, lighting and machinery are all areas where companies should be looking to mobilise their workforce to switch off and save, said Power Efficiency.

For instance, said the consultancy, a 10,000 square metre, fully air conditioned office building, running on only essential equipment for the 11 days, could expect to see an estimated saving of £5,500 on its energy bills.

John Field, carbon director at Power Efficiency, said, “From next year, when the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is live, taking this kind of action will have a direct impact on a company’s performance in the league tables.”