Picture this…a 1950s shop with poor insulation, an inefficient heating system and rising energy bills.
That was the scenario facing family-run Edinburgh business, Have It Framed when director Grahame Case contacted Business Energy Scotland for impartial energy saving advice, and access to Scottish Government funding, as part of a £100,000 shop refurbishment.
The transformation now means the business not only has the potential to save around £5,500 a year on energy bills and cut CO2 emissions by an incredible 75 per cent, but now has a new-look store and workshop area that is a warm and welcoming haven for customers and staff.
“Without Business Energy Scotland, we probably couldn’t have done it.”
And there has been nothing but praise for the support we provided. Grahame said: “Our advisor was extremely helpful, navigating through the assessment and the paperwork involved.
“Without Business Energy Scotland, we probably couldn’t have done it. They enabled us to apply for financial support.”
Grahame had previously had advice from Home Energy Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust’s homeowners’ service, so was well aware the difference we could make for his business.
He contacted Business Energy Scotland and one of our experienced consultants carried out a free assessment and provided a detailed report, highlighting the changes that could be made, the associated savings and emissions reduction.
The lack of wall and ceiling insulation, a large single-glazed shop window and door, plus the use of expensive-to-run and inefficient electric heaters, meant Grahame was paying big bills to try to keep the shop warm.
Sustainability was important to him – he already used green electricity – and he was keen to see how improvements could be made that would benefit the business and the environment.
He decided to undertake all the changes listed in the report, during the refurbishment project. Ceiling and wall insulation were added, and the shop front was given a stunning facelift with a new double-glazed picture window and door.
Probably the biggest change was the installation of an air source heat pump, allowing Grahame to ditch the plug-in heaters and fit ceiling mounted heating units to provide effective warmth throughout the building.
Have It Framed took advantage of the Scottish Government’s interest-free loan with cashback that enabled them to make the changes.
“If we hadn’t gone ahead with the upgrades, we would have faced rising electricity bills and had a poorer working environment. Our newly unveiled premises boast a cosy and pleasant ambience for customers to discuss framing projects and explore picture frames.”
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