Companies in the design and manufacturing industry were invited to bring along their products for sustainability expert Envirowise to disassemble and demonstrate where they could save money, reduce waste and help the environment by applying more sustainable design practices.
Robbie Weir, Envirowise programme manager for Scotland said:
"Stirlingshire businesses could be missing a trick when it comes to their environmental plans and the cost savings they could achieve as a result. Scottish companies which have already taken advantage of Envirowise's expertise and attended events like this one have collectively achieved financial savings of almost £13 million over just one year1, a figure most businesses can't afford to ignore.
"Following the success of our events programme this year so far, we were delighted to see so many local businesses come along to discuss the topic of eco design. We can’t reiterate enough to local businesses how important sustainable design really is."
Stirling-based Falcon Foodservice Equipment has used a number of Envirowise's free, confidential services on offer to businesses across Scotland, including attending the workshops and events. The catering equipment manufacturer has since introduced a number of simple recommended measures to improve its resource efficiency, resulting in significant environmental and financial benefits.
David Wilson, Falcon's engineering manager, said:
"We've attended numerous Envirowise events and found them a great way to get started on the road to a greener future. Being able to discuss our resource efficiency plans with experienced sustainability experts was a real help, and the advice on trialled measures proved a useful time saver in our activities. We've already implemented a number of initiatives without spending a lot of money yet we are making real savings, raising awareness and changing attitudes about the importance of waste reduction. It all adds up and these simple changes are only the beginning for us."
For those who missed out on the event, Envirowise urges Stirling’s designers, engineers, environmental representatives and local authorities to take full advantage of the forthcoming webinar. The free session will take place on Wednesday 8 October, offering advice to help gain competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging marketplace. Details of the webinar and how to register can be found at http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/EV000023.
To find out more about the help available for businesses in Scotland, contact Envirowise for free, confidential advice on 0800 585 794 or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland.
For more information please contact:
Laura McKenzie or Debbie Standen at Trimedia on 0131 226 2363 or email laura.mckenzie@trimediauk.com / debbie.standen@trimediauk.com
Notes to editors:
1. Envirowise Impact Assessment 2006, Summary of Results in Scotland
The report was carried out by Databuild Research and Solutions in February 2008.
The report assessed Environmental savings made in the calendar year 2006 by a sample of companies in Scotland in which Envirowise has been active and reports on environmental savings that can be attributed to the work of Envirowise with those companies.
About Envirowise:
Envirowise is a Scottish Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of Scottish business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1Bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794.
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland) of valuable and relevant information.
- On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors.
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions.