THE message has gone out to all businesses in Swindon to focus on becoming more efficient.

Rather than relating to profits sheets, the emphasis this week is on energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Week runs this week and in Wiltshire is spearheaded by the Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre in Devizes.

In and around Swindon ten Arkell's pubs are taking part, including the Tawny Owl in Taw Hill.

Landlords Phil and Louise Britton have pledged to replace as many lightbulbs as possible with energy saving versions, and will also put posters up designed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to give customers practical advice on what to do in their own homes.

James Arkell from Arkell's brewery said: "We're delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile promotion.

"As one of our busiest pubs in Swindon, The Tawny Owl is a great pub to highlight Energy Efficiency week.

"Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre has pointed out that even small changes such as replacing lightbulbs with energy-saving alternatives can be very effective and that's what we're aiming to highlight.

"By making just a few basic changes in our behaviour, everyone will not only be making a positive contribution to the planet, but will have some extra beer money too. We hope we can help to highlight how easy it is to make a difference."

Other pubs taking part include the Crown Inn, Stratton St Margaret; The Kingsdown in Stratton; The Liden in Liden; The Manor in Cheney Manor; The New Inn in Stratton, the Saracen's Head in Highworth, the Sun Inn at Coate Water, the Swiss Chalet in Gorse Hill and the White Hart in Oxford Road.

Questionnaires will be available in the pubs so customers can find out how much money they would save if they went more green.

Climate change is caused by the release of carbon dioxide from energy production into the atmosphere.

Energy experts say unless action is taken now we will experience more extreme weather conditions including hotter summers, colder winters, more storms and rising sea levels.

There will be drastic knock-on effects on human and animal life if temperatures change dramatically.

The advice centre has urged residents to look at their kitchen equipment and insulation to see if their home could be improved. There are grants available for improving loft insulation, and further details are available on 0800 512012.

Tom Morton