Businesses across Northern Ireland are taking environmental planning seriously – but could be missing a financial trick by only planning for short term gain, say sustainability experts Envirowise, funded locally by Invest Northern Ireland.
The suggestion comes as a survey of business owners, conducted by the programme, found that almost half (40%) are involved in short-term environmental planning, with 20% planning for the long term. Yet by taking a more sustained approach to planning, firms can reap longer term financial benefits.
Commenting on the results, Sam McCloskey, Envirowise Regional Manager for Northern Ireland said: "Our survey provides positive evidence that companies in the province are involved in environmental planning. Indeed, planning for quick wins such as fitting more water efficient taps, or introducing widespread recycling facilities, can have an immediate benefit on the bottom line.
"Yet our survey also shows that there is a strong opportunity here for more businesses to start planning for the longer term, and enjoy lasting money savings."
Rather than relying on an ad hoc approach to managing resource efficiency issues, Envirowise recommends companies develop a more integrated approach to such activity.
"An Environmental Management System (EMS) is one technique that companies should consider," continued Sam. "This is a structured framework that allows firms to manage, monitor and report on their environmental performance – and allow them to maximise the associated economic benefits."
Olive Hill, Invest NI's Director of Technology and Process Development, commented: "Sustainability is becoming an essential component of business planning as the costs associated with waste disposal and purchase of many raw materials increase. Invest NI, in partnership with Envirowise, is committed to helping local businesses realise the real bottom line savings that can be generated by embedding a culture of resource efficiency.
"Such reductions in running costs, especially when maintained and accumulated over time, can be crucial to a company's success, particularly in the current economic climate."
Envirowise offers a package of free advice and support to help companies seize the opportunity and develop a more sustained plan of environmental action. This includes an EMS Wizard, which provides tailored information to companies to help them get started towards developing an EMS.
Businesses can access the Wizard free-of-charge at www.envirowise.gov.uk/emswizard. Details of the help and support available to Northern Ireland companies through the Envirowise programme is available from www.envirowise.gov.uk/northernireland or on 0800 585794.
Envirowise is funded locally by Invest Northern Ireland.
ENDS
Issued by Trimedia on behalf of Envirowise
For more information please contact Davinia Livock or Rod Dennis on 0117 9292 311 or davinia.livock@trimediauk.com
Notes to Editors
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 Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant information
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions