THE Wilton Centre - one of the region's most important research, development and commercial office facilities - has set a target to cut its energy consumption and costs by half.

Business resource efficiency expert Midas has carried out a free audit of the energy, water and waste resource use in one of the 15 blocks at the Teesside facility.

They found that making improvements to the centre's lighting, heating and ventilation systems could significantly reduce its energy use, with the investment required for these improvements being covered by the savings made within two years.

Bosses at the Middlesbrough centre, which is occupied by companies including Du Pont, Sabic, IBM, ICI and Capita, are reviewing and discussing with tenants how best to implement the recommendations.

Engineering manager Dr Richard Short said: "Energy issues have been high on our agenda for some time.

"The audit visit we had from Midas covered all aspects of our energy use, and identified a number of areas where we could do things differently or better."

Funded by regional development agency One NorthEast and operated by sustainable energy specialists TNEI Services, Midas helps companies operate more efficiently and profitably through the improved use of energy, water and materials.