Scottish businesses are set to face a tough year ahead, but according to sustainability expert Envirowise, environmental planning at the start of the year could be the key to boosting a company's bottom line.
Envirowise, the Scottish Government funded initiative which helps businesses to think seriously about resource efficiency, is urging companies to include environmental planning into their financial plans for 2009.
The current economic climate requires businesses to think more wisely about spending and the reduction of operating costs is an attractive incentive to implement greener practices. By starting the New Year with realistic and achievable environmental goals, companies could stand to save up to £1,000 per employee1 and cut water and effluent bills by up to 50 per cent2.
Robbie Weir, programme manager for Envirowise, explains how Scottish businesses can introduce simple resource efficiency measures and in return see a significant reduction in costs:
"Incorporating environmental planning into a business' financial plan can be extremely useful to companies in helping to maintain their profits in today’s increasingly challenging business world.
"Businesses often fall down on their resolutions through lack of time, money or by being too ambitious and this is where Envirowise can help companies to plan, implement and stick to their environmental resolutions. By focusing efforts on one area, measuring use, implementing change and then re-measuring, companies will be able to see a reduction in costs and as a result the benefits of environmental planning.
"Even small, simple measures can have an immediate effect, and it needn't take a lot of time; just one hour a week can be enough to convert good environmental intentions into real financial savings."
The first step a business should take is to find out more about the true cost of waste to their bottom line by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotlandmeasurement.
Businesses can then set benchmarks by which to judge where improvements are to be made and in turn identify cost effective opportunities to prevent and reduce waste.
Envirowise top tips for getting started:
- Communication can be the key to minimising waste, avoid ordering in excess and ensure the purchasing process is succinct.
- Reduce heating temperature by one degree – this can save your heating bill by as much as 10%.
- Run a ‘Switch Off’ campaign in the office. It is always cheaper to switch off lights no matter how short the time period.
- Increase the use of communications technologies and investigate the feasibility of home-working and telecommunication alternatives for meetings.
- Introduce green travel plans which could include car sharing, season tickets, reduced fares on public transport and improved facilities in the workplace for cyclists or walkers.
- Renovate furniture rather than buying new replacements – it can save up to 50% of the cost of new products.
- Get together with other local companies to make the collection of recyclables easier and more economical.
Robbie adds: "It's no secret that 2009 is set to be a tough year for business and although boosting the bottom line is probably the most attractive incentive to introduce cost-saving measures, businesses should also consider factors such as enhancing its corporate image.
"By working towards a 'zero waste' policy, resource efficiency can gradually become embedded in company culture – something that customers and suppliers can really take notice of and employees can be proud of.
Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by helping them to put sustainable use of resources at the heart of their practice. Downloadable online toolkits, publications and case studies are all accessible by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland and onsite visits from an expert advisor can also be arranged depending on a company’s specific requirements.
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For more information please contact:
Laura McKenzie or Jennifer Niccolls at Trimedia Ltd on 0131 226 2363 or email laura.mckenzie@trimediauk.com / jennifer.niccolls@trimediaukcom
Notes to editors
1. Envirowise Impact Assessment Report 2006
2. Envirowise website – www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotlandmeasurement
About Envirowise:
Envirowise is a 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.
MORE TOP TIPS FOR 2009
Eliminate
- Careful purchasing and better utilisation of materials is the best way to make dramatic savings in your waste costs and reduce your impact on the environment.
Reduce
- Prior to confirming catering arrangements for meetings, confirm the numbers attending and avoid purchasing disposable catering products such as milk and sugar sachets, paper plates and plastic cutlery.
Re-use
- A surprising amount of stationary material can be recovered by asking staff to hand in all their unused equipment for re-use.
- Make use of local resource centres and charities that re-use computers, furniture and other materials from businesses.
Recycle
- Establish clear senior management commitment to recycling – problems can occur if recycling is not seen as an integral part of good business practice.