Green Practices Could Save UK Businesses £6.4 Each Year

That’s the conclusion of a new survey by Tickbox.net/Opinion Matters out today which highlights how attitudes towards recycling and energy saving differ between the home and the workplace.

For instance, just over 40% of people said they recycled plastics at home but not at work, with women being the worst culprits. Similarly, other poor workplace practises include unnecessarily printing out emails (21%) and putting recyclable items into the non-recycling bin (21%).

The impact isn’t simply on the environment though. Defra figures indicate that UK businesses could save £6.4 billion each year by implementing resource efficiency measures that are of no or very low cost.

Simple steps such as turning down thermostats, turning off lights and addressing dripping taps can help Britain’s businesses to save money and be more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, in today’s increasingly environmentally aware society, these steps can have a positive knock on effect on corporate reputation and the way customers value a business.

Defra launched a campaign this month to urge small businesses to cut down on waste, and reduce energy and water use, in order to reap the financial benefits.  The campaign, which stresses ‘Saving money – it’s your business’, illustrates how simple environmental actions translate into cost savings.  This is being supplemented with clear practical advice for businesses on how to integrate resource efficient practices into everyday working life. Business owners can visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/savingmoney for more information, help and tips.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:

“Small firms are facing challenging times, today more so than ever.  Finding ways to save money will help businesses retain a competitive edge. Being sustainable is now essential – for your bottom line and for the environment.

“Simple steps like using less energy or considering what you throw away are easy ways to make savings.  Resource efficiency is the future for all businesses, large and small.”

‘Channel 4’s ‘Dumped’ guru and eco-design expert Rob Holdway is lending his support to the campaign.

He says:

“Whether it’s turning off lights, turning down thermostats, cutting down on rubbish, or addressing dripping taps – small sized catering and hospitality firms are ‘leaking’ money through bad use of their energy, water supplies or waste products.

“Simple steps such as turning off office equipment when it’s not in use, can help businesses become financially fit and environmentally friendly.  This also has a positive knock-on effect on corporate reputation among consumers. Resource efficiency isn’t rocket science but it does require a shift in culture among the catering and hospitality trade, which I really want to encourage.”

Topics: Britain, energy, environmentally aware, Governance, government, green, recycling, society, survey, United Kingdom, waste products, wasting money, water supplies

 Print This Article in Plain Text

Latest Headlines

• President Obama Hosts Taoiseach Of Ireland Brian Cowen
• Edinburgh Council Steps Up To Communal Stair Security
• White House Highlights U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Fights Financial Reform
• Cancer Patients In Edinburgh To Receive Benefits And Grants To Cope With Financial Burden
• White House: Without Health Care Reform Expect Premiums To Skyrocket
• Edinburgh To Begin Search To Replace 3 Top Council Members Who Are Retiring
• Creative Scotland Moves Home Base To Edinburgh
• UK Releases Health Care Statistics On Referral To Treatment Services “RTT”
• Illinois Moves Primary Election From February To March
• Nissan Brings The Leaf To UK Creating 550 Jobs
• UK Government Boost Funding For Disabled Children
• New York Governor Proposes To Cap State Spending And Property Taxes
• Florida Looks To Increase Business Investments For Port Projects
• U.S. Loan Modification Program Still Not Working Smoothly
• Nova Scotia Celebrates Local Culture And Heritage With Pictou Landing Powwow

In The News

Canada Announces Funding For The 147th Antigonish Highland Games

On behalf of the Honourable James

Canada Expanding Trade Relations With South Africa

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister

Scotland To Create Confidential Helpline For Men Being Abused

A new service is being set

What Is The Future For Scotland’s Public Information Notices “PIN”

Legislation enabling councils to use online

£34 Million To Make Welsh Homes More Energy Efficient

The Welsh Assembly Government plans to