Businesses could save more than £6.4bn a year by being more resource efficient, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Environment secretary Hilary Benn is encouraging businesses to recognise the benefits of resource efficiency measures for their bottom line and the environment.

According to research from WRAP, 47 per cent of businesses are aware that they could make savings of more than £100,000 through low and no cost efficiency measure, such as turning off equipment when it’s not being used, with 17 per cent identifying over £1m of potential savings.

In addition, these measures could contribute up to 10 per cent to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2020, with little or no outlay from businesses.

Benn said: “Businesses are facing challenging times, today more so than ever, so finding ways to save money makes a lot of sense.

“There are opportunities here in the UK too in the low carbon and environmental goods and services, where we currently have just over 3 per cent of the global market. This will grow as consumers become increasingly environmentally aware and companies realise that waste is just a resource in another form. Sustainability is the key not only to the environment but to business success. Now is the time to shape our businesses of the future.”

Defra offered the following top tips on resource efficiency:

1. Turn off all office equipment when you're not using it - overnight, at weekends and during bank holidays. Savings on just a single computer and monitor could be up to £35 a year.

2. Cut lighting costs by as much as 15 per cent. Turn off lights in empty rooms. Use energy efficient light bulbs.

3. A constantly dripping tap can cost your business about £400 per year. Make sure you turn off taps fully and fix any drips.

4. Save 4 per cent of your turnover with waste management techniques. Such as partnering with businesses to recycle waste or selling it to be used as raw materials.

5. Save 8 per cent on your company’s heating bill.  Turn the thermostat down by one degree.

6. Ask your suppliers about take-back schemes for unused products. You may be able to get your money back, or at least a portion of the cost.

7. Save up to one month’s worth of fuel over a year with smarter driving techniques such as reducing load and good vehicle maintenance.

8. Invest in efficient equipment to help cut your energy, transport and water costs. Government support includes interest-free Energy Efficiency Loans delivered through the Carbon Trust.

9. To refill an inkjet cartridge costs about the half the price of a new one. Use email where possible, set out your PC to print double-sided and refill printer, fax and photocopier cartridges.

10.  Always publicise your commitment to reducing your environmental impact. More than a third of consumers would favour recyclable products or those with minimal packaging.