BE SEEN TO BE

GREEN MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR RESOURCES AND SAVE MONEY

Most businesses are feeling the pinch in this current financial climate. By improved use of resources, business can save money, run more efficiently and gain a competitive advantage. Measuring performance allows a business to determine objectively what is working and what is not. There are many low and no cost steps that can be taken to help you increase your business efficiency, improve your environmental performance and cut your utility bills.

The Scottish Government is committed to reducing waste sent to landfill to 1.32 million tonnes by 2010. This target will directly impact on businesses, for example through increased landfill taxes.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR BUSINESS?

1. WATER

Reduce water consumption by fixing leaks - one dripping tap will waste between £17 and £50 per year in water and effluent charges - and installing water saving devices. Reducing a flush toilet from nine liters to seven liters per flush will save about £2.55 in water per employee each year. Installing a water meter can help save on cost.

2. WASTE

Rising landfill costs mean a small industrial company can pay four percent of its annual turnover. Setting up a waste segregation scheme to separate recyclable waste – this will minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill. Other options are to identify opportunities to prevent damaged

or out of date stock; buy in bulk and from local sources to reduce packaging; and buy refillable items, such as toner cartridges.

3. ENERGY

It has been estimated that 30% of the energy consumed by businesses in the UK is wasted, costing millions of pounds in revenue each year. All businesses can save money through improved energy efficiency, including better lighting, heating, insulation and process management.

Improve energy efficiency by reducing your heating to recommended levels of 19-21oC for an office environment and 16-18 oC for workshops. It is estimated that for every 1oC reduction in temperature, a business can save 8- 10% of their heating bills. Loft insulation should be the recommended depth of 10 inches (250mm) where possible and hot water pipes and storage tanks need at least 2 inches of insulation.

Industrial lighting can account for between 7-15% of the electricity used in industry. Savings of up to 50% can often be achieved by replacing lighting with lower energy equivalents

Energy Saving Scotland offers Small Business Loans to help purchase energy efficient equipment.

SEE MORE

The Business Environment Partnership T: 0131 561 6270 E: aimee@thebep.org.uk