Greening Your Business
Positive environmental credentials are an essential part of today's business culture and can make you more efficient and cost-effective. If you're not sure where to start, then here's a few tips.
Once you start going green, you'll find it comes naturally and is not as difficult as you think!
Best Practice
Learning from best practice is a great place to start. You can surf the internet or join a local green network to find out what other businesses have done - make sure you learn about what doesn't work as well, as this is invaluable information.
There's plenty of tips around for going green - here's a few:
1. Be more energy efficient - not only your buildings, but also the equipment you're using.
2. Convert to green energy - most energy companies offer a green tariff.
3. Run greener vehicles - you'll also reduce emissions and your impact on the environment.
4. Make better use of communications technology and reduce travelling time - why not make better use of tele-conferencing, video-conferencing and email. You could also consider encouraging more homeworking which will save on travelling time too.
5. Consider generating renewable energy - you might even make enough to sell back some to the national grid.
6. Raise staff awareness - Promote yourself as a green business - this involves raising aware.
7. Look out for research and development opportunities - it's one area where there's still investment, perhaps new and cleaner technologies or products.
Green Funding
Somerset Levels & Moors Local Action for Rural Communities (or LARC) is an EU & DEFRA funded grant scheme targeted at the Somerset Levels & Moors for the sustainable development of communities and businesses. There are two types of grant available - grants for organisations, charities, business and community groups; and small grants for businesses. Eligible activities include: promotion and publicity; training and seminars; walking, cycling and alternative transport; labour costs and consultancy; setting up new networks or co-operatives; feasibility studies and local research; equipment; small-scale use of renewable technologies; and improving access to local services.
Green Schemes and Awards
Here's a few examples.
· Green Tourism Business Scheme is a national accreditation scheme for accommodation providers, visitor attractions, activity providers, food & retail and other tourism businesses. If you implement enough measures you can gain a gold, silver or bronze award.
· David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme is targeted at the camping, caravanning and holiday park industry to protect and enhance
· Green Business Awards 2010 aim to be one of the most innovative, ambitious and effective initiatives for
· Top 100 Green Businesses and similar lists are compiled by national newspapers and others. Why not consider getting your business included.
Useful Websites
See the 'Green Matters' section on our Useful Business Links page.
Contact
Last Updated
10 August 2010
Page last updated on 10 August 2010
