As the credit crunch continues to bite and businesses batten down the hatches for a recession, anyone tempted to take their attention off environmental matters should think again.
Resource efficiency could be the answer to help combat the downturn. Waste prevention, energy efficiency and using less raw materials will be crucial to saving UK companies money and reducing costs.
More than 85% of companies questioned for new Envirowise research chose the above actions as a way to make their business more profitable.
Research by various bodies over the past three years has seen a changing attitude towards environmental practices. MORI research in 2005 saw three in five businesses (60%) with an environmental policy compared to just 11% in 2003. Envirowise research on market penetration and messaging last year indicated a similar trend, with 82% of businesses implementing some steps toward tackling environmental issues.
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY
The issue of taking responsibility is emerging as one of the determining factors, bearing out the results of our recent poll (www.envirowise.gov.uk/poll). Not only is it becoming more incumbent upon managers to take up the environmental challenge from a social perspective, but it is also becoming a legal imperative. Legislation is increasingly driving businesses to adopt sustainable practices, with directors being held personally liable for the environmental conduct of their companies. In the past ten years, the courts handed out £3 million in fines as well as almost eight years behind bars and more than 170 days of community service to company directors for non compliance with legislation.
SHARING RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility cannot rest with managers alone, however. There seems to remain a chasm between the behaviours of individuals at home (where social, neighbourly and council pressures are sharply increasing focus on recycling and energy-saving) and at the office. Envirowise has recently made a call for more information sharing at work to combat this. For example, if Britain's bosses were to disclose the huge costs of their business gas, electricity, water and recycling bills to their staff, it is anticipated that this would increase their awareness of the need to reduce waste, and change their behaviour at work.
ANGELS AT HOME, DEVILS AT WORK
According to Envirowise research, individuals committed to cutting waste at home are lapsing into bad habits as soon as they get to work. The survey of more than 1,800 UK office workers found that a third took no action whatsoever to reduce the resources they use during the working day – meaning vast amounts of resources and money are being lost without trace.
There are many ways in which businesses can help employees take ownership of minimising waste and reducing energy consumption. One is to appoint a 'Champion' to lead waste-busting initiatives, urging others to switch off lights and computers at the end of the working day. Businesses can also encourage installation of self-closing taps in washrooms and conserve the use of paper and packaging.
WHEN CUSTOMERS DEMAND IT…
Consumers are becoming more conscious and making choices based on issues that go beyond price. While economic considerations may have become more important, it is likely the businesses that will thrive during the downturn are those which fulfil twin needs, providing both value for money and an assurance of environmental and ethical responsibility.
90% of Britons have become more environmental at home. 40% are willing to pay higher prices for environmentally sound products. Source: KPMG/YouGov Survey May 08
Credit Crunch Events
22 JAN 2009 - DONCASTER
18 FEB 2009 - HUDDERSFIELD
5 MAR 2009 - SKIPTON
18 MAR 2009 - WILLERBY
A series of events are planned around the theme of 'How to reduce your company's resource costs', as the continuing rise in raw materials, food and fuel costs all point towards a challenging climate. These workshops will be relevant for any business that wants to find out how to save money and increase profitability through resource efficiency. Perfect for managers, directors, environmental representatives and operational staff.
To register for one of the dates, call the Business Link Customer Contact Centre on 0845 6048 048.
Resources
Supply Chain Toolkit: Unlock hidden profits with our new CD guides
Printing errors stack up costing UK businesses reams
Managing Behaviour Change: Counteract possible lack of buy-in and support by managing change
EN664 Washroom Water Factsheet
EN896 Reducing Mains Water Use through Rainwater Harvesting Factsheet
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