Robbie Weir, Programme Manager for sustainability expert Envirowise explains how by implementing a zero waste strategy, Scottish businesses could significantly cut costs.
"The key question that companies must face is how they are actually going to start reducing the amount of waste they're producing in the first place. There is a direct link between improving green credentials and cost savings for companies across all sectors underlining the fact it's an issue not to be taken lightly.
"Despite the similarities, zero waste is not just about recycling; it's an aspiration which involves changing processes at the production level to minimise the use of resources, re-use what you can and reduce the amount of waste to zero. By incorporating this approach into business systems on all levels, resource efficiency can become embedded in company culture not only increasing profits but making it something that all employees can be proud of and customers can really take notice of.
"It's important to realise that significant reductions in environmental costs can often be made through no-cost and low-cost measures and by adopting these, a company can reduce waste costs by up to 1% of turnover or around £1000 per employee1 and cut water and effluent bills by up to 50 per cent2.
"Accountants are in the best position to understand how environmental costs arise and by identifying large environmental costs that could start to be reduced early on in 2009, they'll be in a position to work with other members of staff to help build key performance indicators, manage resource efficiency projects and to measure improvements.
"Moving towards zero waste will be a challenge but employers should look upon this as an opportunity to reduce costs significantly, especially now as businesses are preparing for a tough year ahead."
Envirowise urges businesses interested in finding out more about the true cost of waste to their bottom line to visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotlandmeasurement
. Businesses of any size or sector can make use of the free help and advice available from Envirowise by calling 0800 585 794 or visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland.
1. Envirowise Impact Assessment Report 2006
2. Envirowise website – www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotlandmeasurement