Envirowise Wales is asking local businesses for their opinions on the benefits of 'going green' through a series of round table events bringing together company representatives and sustainability experts.
The events take place at the following:
- Wednesday 24th March, Environment Centre, Bangor
- Friday 14th May, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth
- Thursday 16th September, Parc Y Scarletts, Llanelli
- Thursday 18th November in Environment Centre, Bangor.
Once seen as the preserve of larger companies, increasing numbers of Welsh businesses are now reaping the benefits of sustainable working practices. Reducing energy and resource use and cutting waste can not only boost profit margins; it can also enhance stakeholder and customer relations. What's more, the Welsh Assembly Government's 'Towards Zero Waste' document, which aims for all sectors in Wales to recycle 70% of their waste by 2025 and achieve zero waste by 2050, has provided businesses with a further incentive to use resources more efficiently.
Discussions during the round table events will encompass whether becoming a greener business can give a competitive edge, as well as looking at ways to encourage staff to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to environmental strategies. Participants will also have the opportunity to add their own items to the agenda.
Tim Lineham, Programme Manager for Envirowise Wales, said: "Sustainability is rising ever higher up the corporate agenda as more and more businesses explore the opportunities available through resource efficiency. The round table events offer a chance to discuss the hot topics on the 'green' agenda, find out more about the best ways to make changes and make your voice on sustainability issues heard."
Businesses in Wales with over 50 employees who send over 50 tonnes of waste to landfill, or who use materials to manufacture products and packaging or provide hospitality services (including retail food outlets), can get tailored support from Envirowise to improve their resource efficiency and competitiveness. This free, confidential and independent service is available from a network of regional managers and includes site visits, regional clubs, specialist consultancy and help developing action plans and monitoring progress. This event is part-funded by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
To find out how your business could participate in the round table event or to benefit from resource efficiency please visit the Envirowise Wales page or email wales@envirowise.gov.uk.
For further media information please contact Angela Boffy on 07718 186487, or email angela.boffy@envirowise.gov.uk.