Ms. Gaza Cross

Gaza Cross, a senior member of King Sturge's property management team in Bristol, said: "We have applied common sense and careful research to every building we manage. That is delivering a massive reduction in energy bills, and the carbon footprint of our clients.

"Something as simple as introducing timers for lighting in toilets and turning off lights after the working day make a massive difference", said Ms Cross.

"Even bigger savings are being achieved by introducing more advanced controls to heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and ensuring that maintenance procedures keep everything working at peak efficiency", she added.

One of the biggest energy-cost savings being delivered to King Sturge managed properties results from bulk negotiation of utility contracts.

"Timing is crucial", said Ms Cross. "We avoided a 42% price rise by securing a three-year energy contract for one of our clients, with 350 property sites", she added.

Over the past two years, King Sturge's management team has saved some £8million in energy costs for more than 2000 buildings nationally, combining energy reduction measures and contract re-negotiations.

"This has reduced our clients' costs and their carbon foot-print", said Ms Cross.