Carbon emissions can only be effectively reduced if businesses "tighten the reins on their energy-hungry buildings", it has been claimed.
According to the Environment Agency, shops, hotels, public sector offices and restaurants have a key role to play in helping the country to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent before 2050.
New legislation is due to come into force next month that will provide financial incentives for organisations to become more energy efficient.
Tony Grayling, head of climate change and sustainable development at the Environment Agency, commented: "In companies where most of the energy used goes towards running inefficient buildings - shops and offices for example - there are some very simple things that can be done that will reduce energy use almost overnight."
He added that in most cases, better management of air conditioning and lighting will deliver benefits instantly.
In related news, the government last week released details of its Marine Energy Action Plan, which could provide enough power for up to 15 million homes by 2050.
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