A recent Envirowise survey carried out by Ipsos MORI shows Scottish businesses need more practical help to take action on environmental issues such as efficient use of resources and reducing water waste.
As many as 72% of businesses in Scotland consider reduction of waste an important issue, according to the recent survey of small to medium sized enterprises.
However, when it comes to implementing change, 51% of business respondents cited concerns over the perceived 'significant cost' of dealing with environmental matters.
Envirowise experience has shown that in many cases, investment in a systematic programme of waste minimisation will not only pay for itself, but go on to provide cost savings year-on-year.
Results of the survey illustrate that 62% of the businesses questioned, would be likely to use a free service providing advice and consultation on waste minimisation, but only one in five businesses know where to turn to seek such help or advice.
Alan Hendry, Envirowise Business Manager for Scotland says: "We strongly urge all Scottish businesses who have not yet taken action, to become more resource efficient and profitable by contacting Envirowise. One way to start making savings within your office is to visit our online savings calculator at www.maximiseprofit.org.uk. This is the quickest way for businesses to find out exactly how much of their profit is thrown away needlessly as waste.
"A number of Scottish-based businesses have already used Envirowise's services and have successfully achieved significant savings."
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is one of many Scottish businesses who has recently worked with Envirowise to improve their waste water management and is now set to start reaping real financial benefits of over £62,000.
Reynaldo Guino-o, Business Excellence Advisor at the EICC commented:
"Working with Envirowise has greatly supported our effort to improve environmental performance. The cost savings identified by Envirowise prove that Scottish businesses should embrace resource efficiency as a means to improve profitability. What's more, tackling waste issues and improving our sustainability credentials brings the best out of our staff and attracts business from like-minded clients and events organisers. It really is a win-win scenario.
"We would strongly recommend that all Scottish businesses and organisations take a more proactive role in reducing their waste which will lead to greater competitiveness and long-term cost savings."
"We would now strongly recommend that all Scottish businesses take a more proactive role in reducing their waste which will lead to greater competitiveness and long-term cost savings."
Businesses seeking advice on any aspect of resource efficiency can also call the free, confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 595 794 or explore ther rest of the Envirowise site.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts:
Jenny Ingram or
Laura McKenzie at Harrison Cowley on 0131 226 2363.
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to Scottish 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 Scottish business, completely free of charge.
About the research
The 'Awareness and Uptake of Environmental Services Tracker' was commissioned by Envirowise and conducted by Ipsos MORI during April and May 2006. A total of 43 Scotland based small and medium sized firms, from ten different industry sectors were included in the research sample. More details are available on request.