Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a report that reveals Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) convenience store members are spending £15million every year on energy costs.

The report 'Energy Efficiency in Retailing', published by the Carbon Trust and NIIRTA, says this annual energy usage is producing over 62,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of driving 190 million miles in a standard car.

It also lists a number of practical suggestions for small retailers, which could lead to a reduction of 30% on energy bills.

Minister Foster said: "Northern Ireland’s independent convenience stores spend an estimated £15million on energy every year.

"Reducing energy consumption is good for the environment and for business too because it gives the opportunity to increase profitability and competitiveness.

"The publication of this report by the Carbon Trust and NIIRTA provides step by step guidance for shop owners on how they can cut their energy costs, with practical suggestions on how to reduce bills by up to 30%."

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NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “It is simply staggering that our members are spending over £15million every year on energy, which produces over 62,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide - the equivalent of driving 190 million miles in a standard car.

"A small retailer in Northern Ireland could be spending as much as £45,000 a year on their energy bill. This is obviously not sustainable economically or environmentally.

“By looking at the energy use in store, retailers can improve their environmental performance and make cost savings.

"Refrigeration and lighting equates to 70% of energy usage among independent retailers and the report includes a practical shopping list to address these issues.

"The retail sector involves several activities that have a direct impact on climate change. These include energy use in stores, leakage of refrigerant gases, food miles and packaging."

Geoff Smyth, Manager of the Carbon Trust in Northern Ireland said: "While improved 'shop keeping' will yield good energy savings, it also makes sense to spend to save even more – particularly if a retailer can make use of a Carbon Trust interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan. Within the retail sector we would generally recommend projects that would pay back in less than three years, but there are projects that will give a return within a year.

"These could include time controls on equipment to ensure it is switched off outside trading hours, occupancy sensors on back of house lighting, improved heating controls and energy efficient lamps in light fittings."

(NS/BMcC)