Glasgow Business . 35 www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com GO I


n the current economic climate, every business in the country is working hard to keep costs down, and create as


litle waste as possible. Going green makes financial


sense and could have a real impact on the success of a business, particularly manufacturers, given that the cost of landfill for waste materials has never been higher.


GREEN TO SAVE


Reducing companies’ carbon footprints needn’t just be about helping save the environment – it can make compelling economic sense too


One way for businesses to


get a handle on how to be green and save money is to seek independent advice, with the first stop the Saving Scotland Advice Centre, run by the Wise Group on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust. Brian Canning, Centre


Manager of the advice centre, said: “We can help businesses in two main ways. Te first thing we


do is to offer an energy review for the organisation, and give advice on how the owners can improve the efficiency of their operations.” He added: “We will take a


close look at the kind of facilities they already have and their utility usage, and make recommendations on how they can adopt either behavioural changes or introduce measures that they can install that will have a cost benefit to them. “Many businesses operate using


old or in-efficient machinery, this kit oſten breaks down, increasing maintenance costs and down-time. We can help by offering an interest free loan of up to £100,000, through the Energy Saving Scotland Small Business Loan fund, which can be paid back over four years. In addition, the


place to save them money. Tere are instruments like speed limiters that can be installed in a fleet of vehicles, or fuel-efficient driving lessons that can be offered to their staff. Tese things can help to save fuel.” Fuel-efficient driving lessons


are available through the Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre, as is advice on micro-generation technologies – such as solar, thermal, wind energy generation – and heat-generating technologies such as ground source, biomass, and air source. Canning said: “Loans are


available for those SMEs who want to invest in these technologies. Companies taking up the opportunities will benefit from the Government’s feed-in tariff – a sizeable incentive for using micro-generation technologies.” Engaging employees to make


efficiencies is just as important as spending money on innovative ideas. Over several years, the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre has run campaigns to encourage people to think about their homes and how they can save energy there, and then tie such actions back to the workplace. Canning added: “Oſten


employees don’t consider the impact of leaving lights on or computers on stand-by, or heating is leſt on over the weekend, and no-one’s reported it. We can help encourage staff to be aware that it all affects the botom line. “Right now, when the


Energy Saving Scotland transport loan of between £500-£50,000 can help businesses offset the cost of implementing the kit required to reduce business travel or make it greener – such as video conferencing facilities and travel management soſtware. But it’s not just equipment that


can help – changing behaviours is just as important. Canning explained: “We want them to know there’s support available to help them get methodologies in


FACT


economy is so tight, we’re encouraging people to save wherever they can. Businesses fighting for their survival are having to look at making some hard decisions on where savings can be made. “Anything that


Collectively, UK firms could save £1 billion in fuel bills with mileage management systems, says the Energy Savings Trust. Read more on fleet management on page 40


people can do to show that they are trying to


reduce botom line costs is


appreciated both by staff and those who run the business. When we


talk about sustainability – it affects the organisation as well as the environment. “If you think that the cost


of leaving the lights on could be difference between keeping a workmate in a job, or being paid off, it concentrates the mind.”


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