Envirowise urges business network to pull together for prompt action on waste
Businesses need more practical help to take action on environmental issues such as efficient use of resources and reducing water use, says new research commissioned by Envirowise.
As many as 72% of small to medium sized businesses consider the reduction of waste to be an important issue, according to a Ipsos MORI survey of 751 small and medium-sized businesses. However, when it comes to implementing change, at least 41% say they need practical help and 17% have no idea where to turn for information.
Dr Martin Gibson, director of the government-funded Envirowise programme, is calling on bodies across the UK - including the Environment Agency, local authorities, trade associations and other business support organisations - to work together with them to help clarify the steps businesses can take to help reduce their environmental impact.
"While the political case for tackling climate change is becoming increasingly compelling, many in the business community still do not accept that their day-to-day activities have an impact on this issue. Very soon no UK business will be able to ignore the consequences of widespread water shortages and rising energy costs," says Dr Gibson.
"This new research has demonstrated that even when the good intention is there, some businesses still don't know where to turn for help - which is shocking given the support networks available. Our concern is that the business imperative for action is being lost amidst the growing haze of environmental news and debate.
"With the risk of severe drought looming over the UK, we would urge that the free advice and information available through programmes like Envirowise, the Environment Agency and from the individual water companies is highlighted to businesses wherever possible. This is especially true for local authorities which are still the first place where many companies seek environmental information, according to the survey results."
Joint initiatives such as Beat the Drought - a website established by the Environment Agency along with nine water companies in the South of England to encourage greater awareness of drought amongst consumers - are already setting an example. Similarly, the Envirowise Big Splash programme worked with a range of partners in 2004/5 to identify cost savings within participating businesses of up to £180,000 through water reduction. However, there is still much that can be done on a day-to-day basis.
Environment minister Ian Pearson, who last week granted a drought order to Sutton and East Surrey Water allowing a series of water-saving bans, said: "It is the responsibility of all of us to do whatever we can to use water sensibly and reduce unnecessary waste, not just in times of drought, but as part of a sustainable approach to our environment and our long term planning. That includes the business community as well as households and water companies.
"To be effective though we need the necessary information and tools, and it is vital the business community knows how to access those. Not only can this contribute to reduced environmental impact, but it could also help companies identify significant cost efficiencies and, in some cases, opportunities to innovate that will help their competitiveness in the longer term."
With 42% of survey respondents stating that they prefer to source information on reducing waste via the Internet, Envirowise is urging companies to log on to its free, online Water Account Tool at www.envirowise.gov.uk/wateraccount to find out how they can contribute to the fight against drought. This tool helps to track how much water is being used, benchmark companies against their competitors and offers links to free advice on reducing water use and cutting costs.
Businesses seeking advice on any aspect of resource efficiency can also call the free, confidential Envirowise Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 595 794.
- Ends - May 2006 -
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts: Lucy Rickett or Kate Sturley at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
Notes to Editors
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 £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.
Last year alone, Envirowise helped more than 200 UK office-based businesses and identified potential savings of over £1 million.
About the research
The 'Awareness and Uptake of Environmental Services Tracker' was commissioned by Envirowise and conducted by MORI during April and May 2006. A total of 751 interviews were undertaken with SMEs across Great Britain, from ten different industry sectors. More details are available on request.