With Christmas fast approaching, the government-funded Envirowise programme is asking office-based businesses in Northern Ireland a simple question – just how prepared is your business premises for the seasonal break?
For some, leaving for Christmas will mean little more than switching on the answer-phone and locking the door behind them. But Envirowise is calling companies to use their preparations for the Christmas break as a reason to save themselves both resources and money.
By making a few quick and easy checks, Northern Ireland businesses can ensure their office is resource efficient over the Christmas period – and prevent needlessly wasting money.
Envirowise recommends taking the following steps:
- Check kitchen and washroom areas for leaking taps or pipes – a dripping tap can lose up to 26 litres water a day
- Adjust your heating so it is on for the minimum time required during those periods when the office will be empty
- Consider fitting a lighting timer, rather than leaving lights on for long periods, if you are concerned about security while away from the office
- Check any seasonal variations on your usual waste and recycling collections, to avoid materials being disposed of unnecessarily
- Make sure office equipment is turned off or use any energy saving functions available during the holiday period – but check with your systems operator before adjusting any computer equipment
- Use this as an opportunity to save paper and cancel any unwanted magazine or newspaper subscriptions for 2006
Envirowise Agent for Northern Ireland, Sam McCloskey, said: “As people begin to wind down for Christmas, now is the ideal time for firms to save themselves some money over the seasonal period. Spending a few minutes running through the checklist could result in valuable savings on utility bills over the Christmas period – and companies will be doing their bit for the environment as well.”
Those wishing to go the next step and make a New Year’s resolution to cut down on waste can book a free on-site waste review with Envirowise for 2006. These ‘FastTrack’ visits see trained advisors spending up to a day with a company to produce a tailored waste minimisation plan. This includes savings targets, suggested actions on how to consume fewer resources and advice on legislation.
“Previous FastTrack participants have identified substantial savings simply by implementing low cost or no cost measures,” adds Sam McCloskey. “Booking a review now therefore provides a great way for any business to start improving its environmental credentials in 2006.”
For more information on Envirowise’s free services - or to arrange a FastTrack visit - visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or phone the confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. For further information please contact Kate Sturley or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311 or roderickd@harrisoncowley.com
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge.
For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.