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Businesses across Europe are being helped to increase their energy efficiency thanks to a new initiative being supported by Teesside University.

The University, based in Middlesbrough, in the North-East of England, is running free courses to help empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) audit their energy usage and make cost savings

The courses are being offered through SMEmPower Efficiency, an initiative funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, which aims to help European businesses develop their capacity to implement energy saving measures.

The fully-funded courses are being offered by the University from the week commencing September 27 and consist of six learning units delivered in nine three-hour long sessions over a nine-week period, making a total of 27 hours of online lectures. Technical support will be provided to participating SMEs for up to six months, to help them achieve their energy efficiency targets.

Topics covered in the course, include:

• European and national policies on energy efficiency.
• Energy efficiency systems, measures and solutions.
• Basics of energy surveys and standards.
• Tools for monitoring and managing energy.
• Financing energy efficiency.
• Practical on-site action.

The accredited course is worth five credits under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and will be delivered by staff from Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies.

Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Siobhan Fenton in Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said:

“The impact of over-consumption of energy on the planet has been well-documented.

“As well as the environmental consequences, energy wastage can also have an adverse effect on a business’s bottom line.

“At Teesside University we work hard to help businesses succeed and grow while making a positive contribution to society.

“Therefore, we are delighted to be offering this course which will support SME business leaders to make informed choices about the correct interventions they need to make to reduce energy wastage, helping make their companies more sustainable both ecologically and financially.”

For more information on the SMEmPower Efficiency programme visit here or email j.patacas@tees.ac.uk