As the end of the financial year approaches and plans for the next are put in place, Envirowise is encouraging office-based companies in the East of England to explore new ways to save money - and boost their environmental credentials in the process.
3.3 million tonnes of waste is produced annually by commercial sector businesses in the region* – a large quantity of which is generated by office-based companies. With only 37% of this being reused or recycled*, businesses that get a grip on waste can start the new financial year with an easy win – reducing their operating costs, and their impact on the environment.
Envirowise can help local businesses take this step by offering free advice and support on how to run a cost-effective, environmentally aware office. To get started, companies are invited to take the following steps:
1. Get a quick calculation of potential office savings at www.maximiseprofit.org.uk
This web-based resource is the first step for companies looking for straightforward, affordable ways to reduce office waste. All you have to do is input a few basic details and the online calculator will reveal what sort of savings you could make on costs such as paper, waste disposal, water and heating.
2. Download some low cost/no cost savings tips at www.envirowise.gov.uk
Offices can access a range of publications, best practice guides and case studies from the Envirowise website. The Green Officiency Guide is particularly relevant to office businesses that want to reduce their impact on the environment and costs by improving the use of office resources. To download a copy visit, www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG256.
3. Speak to an Advice Line specialist by calling Envirowise on 0800 585 794
The 0800 585 794 Advice Line number offers free, confidential advice on identifying savings for UK businesses.
4. Arrange an Envirowise onsite resource efficiency review
To those businesses that need them, Envirowise also offers on site resource efficiency visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only), which see trained advisors working with companies to produce tailored waste minimisation plans, including savings targets, suggested actions on how to consume fewer resources and advice on legislation. To arrange a visit go to the Envirowise website or call the Envirowise Advice Line.
Envirowise Regional Manager for the East of England, Florence Kosmala, says: “With the new financial year just around the corner, this is a perfect time for office based companies to discover the financial benefits of becoming more resource efficient. We are challenging people to get their workplaces in shape for the new financial year - so they can start to benefit from the substantial economic gains.”
Office tips on reducing waste and saving money can be found within the Green Officiency Guide on the Envirowise website but here are a few steps to getting started:
Paper Usage
- Set your printer to print on both sides of the paper by default. It will automatically reduce the amount of paper you use and thus reduce your paper budget
- Use 80g paper sheets rather than thicker paper and avoid printing on ‘flash’ paper unless you really have to. The thicker the paper you use the more paper you waste
- Issue documents electronically rather than in paper form
- Nominate a waste champion to implement and promote waste minimisation within the company
General Waste Minimisation
- Discourage excessive use of stationery by implementing an ordering system. This allows you to monitor departments and target high use areas for reductions
- Ensure that vending machines allow the use of china mugs rather than plastic vending cups
- Hold an annual ‘stationery amnesty’. A surprising amount of material can be recovered by asking staff to hand in all their unused equipment for re-use
Lighting Efficiency
- Replace tungsten bulbs with energy-efficient, compact fluorescent lamps and slimline tubes. They typically make immediate savings of 50% and last up to ten times longer
- Run a ‘Switch Off’ campaign. It is always cheaper to switch off lights, however short the time period
- Consider whole life energy cost savings - it may save you money in the long run to pay more initially, e.g. compact fluorescent light bulbs. Don’t forget to include the time spent and inconvenience of more frequent light bulb replacement
For more ways to cut waste and save money, businesses should visit www.envirowise.gov.uk
* Source: Environment Agency, Commercial and Industrial Waste Survey 2002/3
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media contacts: Kate Sturley or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311 / 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 (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) 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 over £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.