Companies in Wick are missing a trick when it comes to putting their environmental plans into practice, and could lose out on savings of up to £1,000 per employee1.
Challenges currently facing businesses including rising raw material and energy costs, customer expectations and environmental legislation will be discussed at the free Envirowise event on Tuesday 28 October at Mackays Hotel on Union Street from 9.00am until 1.30pm.
Companies from across town are urged to come along and see how they can start improving their environmental performance and increasing their profits right away. Sustainability expert Envirowise will offer impartial expert advice on current environmental issues, practical tips on water minimisation, cleaner design information and updates on legislation.
Loch Ness hotel, Lovat Arms, has a strong environmental ethic and last month was awarded the Resource Efficiency Excellence Award by Envirowise at the SCDI Highland and Islands event. Caroline Gregory, 29, managing partner of Lovat Arms at Fort Augustus, commented:
"Since March 2007, the hotel has had a strong environmental policy in place ensuring the efficient use of resources. Not only has this reduced our environmental impact but it’s also saved the business considerable money too.
"Each month we save around £1000 on fuel costs by using a biomass woodchip boiler which is centrally controlled by a computer. This guarantees that heating can be changed in all bedrooms and public rooms according to their specific requirements. With oil prices at around 7p per KWh, woodchips only cost 2.5p and we reap the benefits of this difference.
"By using dual-flush toilets, an upgraded hot water system, acute recycling and composting; water and wastewater expense has been reduced by almost 10% per guest this year. Many businesses underestimate how such simple and low-cost measures can really make a difference to their bottom line and boost their green credentials."
Robbie Weir, Envirowise programme manager for Scotland, said:
"For many companies in Scotland, knowing where to start on the road to improving their resource efficiency is the biggest challenge. Envirowise can offer expert guidance on looking at current practices to identify where changes can be made and show local businesses exactly where potential financial savings can be achieved.
"The seminar will examine useful tools such as measurement and benchmarking, which can help a business monitor their resource use and highlight where savings can be made. Our expert advisors will also outline the concept of the 'cleaner design' approach, which explores ways of reducing wasteful elements in products and packaging during the design process."
In addition to the seminar, one-to-one discussions with Envirowise experts will also be available.
To find out how your business can get more from wasting less or to reserve your space for this event, please contact Kate Lynch-Blosse by email kate.lynch-blosse@envirowise.gov.uk. Alternatively you can register online at www.envirowise.gov.uk/increaseprofitedinburgh.
For more information, please contact:
Laura McKenzie or Jennifer Niccolls at Trimedia on 0131 226 2363.
Notes to Editors
1 Envirowise Publication - GG414 Measuring to manage: the key to reducing waste costs
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