The region’s independent retailers could be missing valuable opportunities to boost their bottom line by not giving adequate priority to resource efficiency measures.
Sustainable business experts, Envirowise, found that a third of UK retailers surveyed had not yet begun to tackle environmental issues in the workplace. Plus only 19% recognised the potential for cost savings in this area – a surprising result when the average saving per business can be as much as £250 per employee per year.
Nick Ward, Envirowise Regional Manager for the North West comments: “We know that smaller retailers have little spare time – with more than a quarter of businesses in the North West relying on the owners themselves to take responsibility for environmental issues. However, this is an area where just a little time and investment can pay big dividends in terms of improved efficiency and lower overheads.
“Implementing simple measures to improve resource efficiency - such as using raw materials, water and energy more effectively - can help retailers make valuable savings in a matter of months.”
To get started, Envirowise recommends that independent retailers consider the following:
- Replace inefficient lighting with energy-efficient bulbs, which cut electricity consumption by more than 50%, can be cheaper to buy and last ten times longer than conventional products.
- Reduce and recycle waste materials and save money by paying less for your rubbish collections. Local authorities or waste contractors can offer advice about facilities in your area and can let you know about any available joint recycling schemes.
- Check water meters regularly to help identify whether there are leaks. If the meter is running when the shop is closed, there is probably a leak.
- Consider whether your packaging is the correct size and shape for the product or whether volume being wasted. Could the packaging be reused? Exploit opportunities to re-use items normally thrown away after their initial purpose, such as empty boxes.
- Check timers and temperature controls for heating to reduce energy use during unnecessary periods, such as overnight. With heating, one degree less will save up to 8% on an individual store’s energy bill.
“Three quarters of North West businesses still haven’t taken advantage of the free environmental support available to them from a range of organisations. This is a missed opportunity,” adds Nick Ward.
For advice on improving resource efficiency and boosting profits visit the website at www.envirowise.gov.uk/easymoney or call Envirowise free of charge on 0800 585 794.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts: Peter Stilwell, Rachael Kilburn or Rod Dennis at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Environment and Energy Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant information
- On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions