Accounting giant to ‘shut offices for two weeks to reduce energy costs’

Reports claim that PwC will close most of its 19 UK offices in a bid to cut energy consumption

Accounting firm PwC has reportedly decided to shut the company’s suite of offices for two weeks over the Christmas period in an effort to reduce energy costs.

In an internal memo seen by The Sunday Telegraph, the company states that it will close the majority of its 19 UK offices for nearly fifteen days.

The memo reportedly said: “With many using the festive period as an opportunity to take a well-earned break from work and with offices typically being quieter during that time, this year, we will be taking the opportunity to reduce our energy consumption further by reducing the space we heat and light from Friday 23rd December until Tuesday 3rd January.”

Last month, the government unveiled a new target to cut energy demand by 15% by 2030. The Treasury has also launched a public information campaign in recent weeks to encourage households to cut their energy usage.

In response to the news, Kas Mohammed, Vice President of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, said: “Seeing businesses close their offices to save on energy bills this last month of the year shows the severity of the ‘cost of doing business’ crisis.

“However, the focus should be on increasing energy efficiency to keep businesses running. Although effective as a short-term solution, shutting down offices isn’t a viable solution in the long run. There is a clear business need for offices.

“The solution to the energy crisis is not to not use energy at all, but rather to use it in the most efficient and clean ways possible.”

ELN has approached PwC for comment.

Make sure you check out the latest Net Hero Podcast episode:

Latest Podcast