As the major political parties get their annual conferences underway – with debates on the environment topping the bill – Envirowise is asking local businesses to consider their own manifesto for resource efficiency in 2006/7.
In order for companies to remain competitive, the programme says there are three key areas that business owners must have on their agenda:
Preserving raw materials
With manufacturers facing increasingly tight margins, the knock-on effect will be higher costs for a wide range of businesses. Conducting a waste audit and identifying ways to reduce the use of raw materials, water and energy at source could result in cost savings of between £200 and £1,000 per employee per year. See Envirowise's publication EN330: Measuring to Manage: How reducing waste can unlock increased profits to get started.Strengthening supply chains
More than three quarters (86%) of retailers and wholesalers surveyed in the North West say the management of their supply chain is 'very important' to them. Areas such as Packaging, Waste Management, Logistics and Green Procurement offer huge opportunities for both cost and resource efficiencies. In particular, suppliers with a strong record of environmental best practice could find they win new customers as a result. See Envirowise's publication EN388: Retail therapy: supply chains benefit from partnership approach to get started.Cleaning up product design
At least 80 per cent of the quantities and costs of materials and utilities required to manufacture electrical and electronic products are locked in at the design stage itself. By adopting sustainable design principles, North West companies could trigger innovations that result in a product that is easier and cheaper to make – as well as one which meets legislative requirements. See Envirowise's publication GG294: Cleaner Product Design: an Introduction to Cleaner Design to get started.
Envirowise Regional Manager for the North West, Nick Ward, says: "While the political case for tackling the environment 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, as well as affecting their bottom line.
"Very soon no North West business will be able to ignore the consequences of rising energy and raw material costs. Unnecessary waste is no longer an option and addressing it simply must become an imperative for the region's business owners and managers over the next 12 months."
Local business can also access confidential help and advice by calling Envirowise on 0800 585 794 or visiting Envirowise's website.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Rod Dennis or Louise Harris at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
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 more than £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information explore the Envirowise website or call 0800 585 794.
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.