Envirowise has today launched an online resource that will meet the demands of businesses looking to improve their green credentials but who find it difficult to get started.
A recent survey revealed that companies would take the issues of climate change into their own hands if they were given the right tools to show them where and how they could build a greener business. The survey shows that companies need more help in setting targets, drawing up plans and generating buy-in from senior staff.1
As a result, Envirowise has launched “Words to the Wise” at www.envirowise.gov.uk/change, which consists of a questionnaire to help identify the areas where a company needs to change and provides helpful ways to put these changes into practice.
By launching the online resource, Envirowise will help companies unravel their environmental issues and offer solutions that will result in financial savings and improved green credentials.
Alan Hendry, Envirowise business manager for Scotland says: “The best way to encourage behaviour change is to make environmental measures part of standard business practice. The resource has been designed to help businesses take the necessary steps to drive cultural change and embed sustainability into the heart of the company. It is accessible to all staff from junior management through to the boardroom.”
Businesses have an opportunity to incorporate resource efficiency in every aspect of their operations. By converting environmental efforts into real money savings and revenue generation, Edinburgh’s Apex Hotels has built an enviable reputation as a leader when it comes to environmental best practice and has won a number of prestigious awards as a result.
Apex Hotels’ environmental director, Jo Harbisher explains: “Given the right tools to implement change, companies will see how profitable a greener business can be. We have created a working ‘Green Team’ across the business and are achieving great results because we have support from employees, customers and suppliers. We take environmental considerations into account in all major decisions.
“Expert advice from Envirowise has helped us pioneer new initiatives. We are providing environmental awareness training as part of new staff induction programmes. After a recent hotel refurbishment, we are re-using furniture and fittings through donation to local charities and businesses. We also introduced a keycard system to control lighting, heating and air coolers when the rooms aren’t in use.
“It is within the Apex Hotels culture to look for new ways to make our business more sustainable and working with Envirowise on continuous improvement has been of great value to our business.”
To find out more visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/change
The Envirowise programme is available to any Scottish business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland or call 0800 585 794.
Notes to Editors
1. The three phase research was carried out by Databuild between April and September 2007. Phase one involved desk research and discussions with Envirowise staff and consultants to understand how Envirowise are currently encouraging behaviour change, phase two involved qualitative research with large businesses to develop and test messages and propositions required to embed resource efficiency culture. In the final phase, quantitative research was conducted with junior and senior staff in 200 large businesses to establish how Envirowise can assist organisations to incorporate resource efficiency.
For more information, please contact:
Jenny Ingram or Laura McKenzie at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0131 226 2363 or jenny.ingram@trimediahc.com or laura.mckenzie@trimediahc.com
About Envirowise
Envirowise, funded by the Scottish Government, is 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