Environmental Sustainability

Greening your business

All businesses, large or small use resources such as energy and water, produce waste and provide transport for their staff and goods, all of which have an impact on the environment. Most businesses can identify substantial savings from resource efficiency.

According to Envirowise, the Oxford Group for example, a 40-strong consulting and training company, implemented a number of initiatives around paper use, yielding cost savings of £40,000 per year. Booker Belmont Wholesale Limited achieved net savings of £33,050 in the first year and £106,700 per year thereafter, by installing simple, low-cost water savings devices.

Energy savings are perhaps the most impressive of them all. According to the Carbon Trust, The London International Exhibition Centre (ExCeL) in the Docklands has reduced its fuel bill by a third following a set of energy efficiency measures.

There are a number of measures all businesses can take to reduce their environmental impact and fuel bills.

Save energy, save money

Start by monitoring your fuel and electricity bills and then target areas of highest consumption
Switch off lights, computers and other electrical equipment if not in use and at night
Make the most of natural daylight by keeping windows and skylights clean and consider energy efficient lighting systems
Insulate all walls, roofs, hot water pipes, tanks and boilers and fit double glazing where possible
Fit thermostatic controls on radiators and heating systems so that staff can control their working environment and energy use
The Carbon Trust provides a range of best practice publications and organises seminars on all aspects of energy efficiency. Free energy audits to help your business save money and become more competitive are also available
Renewable energy is exempt from the Climate Change Levy and therefore businesses that sign up to a green tariff can avoid paying it. Log on to the 'Green Electricity Marketplace' in order to obtain a quote for a green tariff

Watch your waste

Undertake a waste audit to find out what you are throwing away and how much it is costing you
Try to reduce waste production at source
If you have a canteen, or even just a vending machine, try to avoid using disposable cups, plates or cutlery
Investigate opportunities for the recycling of your waste materials e.g. paper, cans, bottles, printer/photocopier cartridges and other recyclable materials
Envision provides small businesses advice and practical assistance to save costs and improve competitiveness through increased environmental performance and credibility
The government's Envirowise programme provides a variety of best practice guides and case studies on waste minimisation, targeted at particular sectors. The Programme also offers a free environmental helpline 0800 585 794 and Fast Track Visits for small and medium enterprises. These are free and confidential on-site waste reviews, during which independent consultants help to identify waste minimisation opportunities and provide help to make these savings a reality

Be water wise

Use your water meter to check for leaks from underground and internal pipes. Also check for leaking internal pipes and dripping taps
Investigate opportunities to recycle process water and fit pressure regulators to minimise water consumption
Fit water-efficient urinal controls, water-saving devices to toilet cisterns and water saving taps
Avoid throwing chemicals down sinks, or letting oil escape into drains - dispose of them properly
Businesses discharging effluent into watercourses must first obtain legal permission from the Environment Agency in the form of a 'discharge consent'
Envirowise offer free hands-on advice to help you understand how much water your business currently uses, simple ways to reduce water use and how to measure the cost savings

Transport

Make sure your fleet vehicles are serviced and maintained on a regular basis and consider introducing staff training in fuel-efficient driving techniques
Choose fuel-efficient and clean fuel vehicles e.g. electric, liquid petroleum gas and hybrid vehicles. Information about greening your fleet, including fleet health checks, grants and cleaner fuels is available from the Energy Saving Trust
Improve route planning and scheduling for business journeys and deliveries to reduce mileage and maximise loads
Try to time journeys to miss the local 'rush hour', as stationary vehicles release more pollutants
Consider setting up a car-sharing scheme for staff, or introducing incentives for them to walk, cycle or use public transport more often
Consider developing a staff travel plan to encourage staff to travel to work and on business by sustainable modes of transport e.g. cycling, walking, public transport, car-sharing. A programme of site-specific advice is available to assist businesses and other organisations in developing a travel plan

Buy local and green

Consider buying recycled products wherever possible, look out for products with minimal packaging, and ensure your suppliers and contractors adhere to an environmental policy - London Remade and the Waste and Resource Action Programme provide advice on buying green
Source your good locally to reduce transport needs
Buy Fairtrade tea and coffee for your staff canteen/ kitchen

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme and ISO14001

Many businesses now are asked for environmental statements, policies or other accredited schemes to prove their environmental credentials. ISO14001 or Eco-Management and Audit Scheme are 2 such nationally recognised certifications, both of which are asked for when tendering for work with us. Although they may cost to achieve the status, they are designed to offer efficiency savings to companies as well as help the environment.

Further information sources

Our Green Office Guide for the workplace - please feel free to use the guide for your business.

London leads the way on climate change|

A website from the Mayor of London's office offering information to individuals and businesses on how to reduce their impact on climate change.