Business Environmental Guide
Contents
- What are the benefits of Environmental Management?
- How is the Guide Structured?
- Environmental Issues for some of Edinburgh’s Businesses
- Improving Energy Efficiency
- Waste Minimisation
- Company and Employee Transport
- Legal Compliance
- Pollution Prevention & Site Management
- Meeting Customers’ Environmental Expectations
- New Market Opportunities
- Planning for the Future
- Involving Employees
- Environmental Policy & Action Plan
- Organisations
- Other useful publications
1. Introduction
It is possible that you have already had to address one or more environmental
issue in relation to your business before now. It is also probable that you are
too busy with day to day issues to be able to spend much time on environmental
management.
This guide has been produced specifically to help the overworked manager
realise the commercial benefits of good environmental practice. It applies
whether you are offering a service, running a shop or manufacturing a product.
1.1 What are the commercial benefits of improved
Environmental Management?
[Back to Start of Section]
- Cost Savings - through waste minimisation, energy
efficiency and improved water management.
- Minimised commercial risks & liabilities - by meeting
regulatory requirements and preventing pollution.
- Improved Competitive Advantage - by meeting customers’
environmental expectations and by developing products and services with
associated environmental benefits.
- Improved employee satisfaction - by involving and
motivating staff in environmental improvement projects.
This 'Web Guide' has been adapted from the printed published version.
The next four sections provide more detailed advice and practical suggestions to
help you to realise the business benefits under the headings: Cost
Savings; Minimising Commercial Risk;
Improving Your Competitive Advantage and Making Things
Happen. The final section contains contact details of helpful
organisations and useful publications. Throughout the guide
'brown' tables give guidance and
the 'green' tables give examples
of benefits achieved in practice. Links to the start of the main sections are
supplied at the beginning and end of each section and there are internal links
within each section to the various sub sections. A 'hard' copy of this guide can
be obtained by downloading it using the link above.
In order to help you identify some of the environmental issues that might be
relevant to your business a table containing an overview of some of the
environmental issues for businesses is included on a separate page. It is not a
comprehensive list but should help you get started.
Click here to aess this table
2. Cost Savings
Even for a small business a reduction in operating costs can
significantly improve profitability. Several demonstration projects have shown
that substantial savings are possible, through both energy management and waste
minimisation. As an example, the Lothian based Waste Minimisation and
Environmental Management Initiative has identified over £200,000 savings for
small businesses. Furthermore there are many examples of businesses that have
achieved savings without the need for major capital investment.
Cost savings can be achieved through any of the following:
Waste is the use of energy, materials and labour for activities, which do not
add value to the product you make or the service you provide to your customers.
Many companies found that simple analysis of the process can help identify
opportunities for significant savings. Such savings go straight to the bottom
line.
Waste Minimisation |
Recommended Actions |
General
Recent initiatives such as the East of Scotland Waste
Minimisation Project have consistently demonstrated that companies
underestimate the full cost of their waste
The Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme
research suggests that savings equivalent to 1% of turnover are often easily
and cheaply achievable through waste minimisation programmes |
- Investigate opportunities to:
- avoid or reduce wastes as a first priority
and then to:
- re-use your wastes
- recycle your wastes
- Contact the Business Environmental Partnership for practical advice on
waste minimisation
|
Water
Employees often regard water as a free resource,
particularly when undertaking washing processes
The costs of water and effluent disposal have both risen
sharply over the last few years and is expected to continue to rise in the
near future |
- Review washing operations to see if there is any scope to reduce water
use for example by using spray head taps
- Ensure there are no water leaks, including underground pipes
- Consider installing controllers and other water saving devices
|
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
The East of Scotland
Waste Minimisation Project, co-ordinated by (then) East of Scotland Water
had, by June 2000, achieved actual savings of over £4m in participating
companies. The demonstration project assisted 8 full member companies and 36
associate members. A second phase of the project is known as REAP.
A waste minimisation audit
of textile manufacturer Halley Stevensons uncovered potential to improve
their wax process line. When implemented, this will achieve annual cost
savings of over £2,000, with a payback period of less than one year.
Iron foundry Ballantines
generated 25 tonnes of waste sand per week, which it was unable to reuse.
Investigation found Encore, an aggregaterecycling company, which is able to
utilise waste foundry sand as an aggregate mix. This mutually beneficial
relationship saves Ballantines an estimated £1,000/year in disposal costs,
plus waste licensing and transport costs.
An environmental review at
Waddies Print Group identified potential savings of over £45,000 per annum,
were ink supplied in new cartridges rather than the traditional tins. Trials
have indicated a substantial reduction in wasted ink, less requirement for
special waste disposal, and a lowered legal responsibility with regard to
waste.
Highlander Snacks conducted
a review of waste in 4 areas: product waste, water, gas and electricity.
Potential annual savings could be approximately £30,000 through recommended
initiatives. £25,000 savings was quickly achieved.
Malt extract
manufacturers Scotmalt employed an undergraduate student, through the annual
Environmental Placement Programme, to undertake some monitoring work. They
have now realised costs savings in the region of £60,000 per annum through
reduced water and energy wastage.
|
The cost saving benefits of energy management have been well publicised.
There are often practical opportunities to reduce costs that do not require any
capital investment, through good housekeeping and staff awareness. As shown here
there are many opportunities for smaller businesses as well as the larger
organisations.
The following table provides some initial guidance. Further advice and
information is available from the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office,
The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre and the Business
Environmental Partnership
| Energy |
Recommended Actions |
| General
Useful analysis can be undertaken using data from energy bills
Savings of between 10% and 20% of energy costs are generally easily
achievable from low cost or zero cost measures
Staff awareness and participation is often critical in ensuring the
success of energy improvement plans |
- Use the energy bills to identify the scope for savings
- Make someone responsible for energy management
- Raise staff awareness of energy issues and provide training where
appropriate
- Contact one of the organisations listed in Chapter 6 for more detailed
advice and information
|
| Energy Purchasing
The markets for electricity, gas, oil and propane have all become more
competitive and there is now a wide range of suppliers. Many companies have
been able to reduce their energy costs by as much as 20% by negotiating with
the various suppliers |
- Check to make sure that the best tariff has been negotiated / consider
joining a buying group
- Ensure contract conditions are assessed carefully as they can be as
important as the tariff itself
|
| Heating & Hot Water
Heating typically accounts for about half the energy used in offices.
Heating costs rise by almost 10% for each 1° C of
additional heating
Cost effective controls are now available that can determine the optimum
heating period needed in the morning to match weather conditions
Savings of 5% - 10% can often be achieved by checking and
optimising gas boiler efficiencies |
|
| Lighting Energy
efficient lights typically use only 20% of the electricity of a conventional
tungsten filament lamp
Slimline fluorescent tubes use up to 30% less electricity to run compared
to standard 38mm tubes
One fluorescent tube with a good quality reflector provides nearly the
same amount of light as two tubes without a reflector |
- See if there are ways which would enable you take more advantage of
natural light
- Where possible, replace tungsten lamps with compact fluorescent lamps.
- Ensure that lights are not left on unnecessarily / Consider fitting
sensors to control lights
- Ensure lamps & fittings and roof lights are clean
|
| Machinery & Equipment
Compressed air is a very expensive form of energy. A 3mm diameter hole in a
standard industrial compressed air system can cost as much as £420 per
annum.
A photocopier left on overnight wastes enough energy to make 5,300 A4
copies |
- Ensure there are no leaks in any of the compressed air lines or
equipment.
- Only use compressed air if absolutely necessary
- Ensure energy savings features on computers and photocopiers are
activated.
|
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
Moredun Research Institute identified potential annual savings of £10-15,000
through relocating and rationalising freezers, improved lighting controls,
more efficient scheduling of steam generators and recycling water.
An investigation into
energy use at Bell Bakers identified £17,000 potential annual cost savings,
of which over £8,000 required little or no capital expenditure.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
installed a new heating controller in all bedrooms following a trial which
demonstrated 24% costs savings. Energy efficiency measures will soon achieve
a further £12,000 pa in savings.
Tourist attraction
Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World must maintain high operating
temperatures to preserve stock. A recent essential refurbishment of the
glasshouse, substituting a polycarbonate material, has reduced heat energy
requirements by 25% and offered greater protection for the insects during a
recent severe winter.
|
With rising fuel costs and increasing congestion, transport
issues have become increasingly important for businesses. In addition to the
need to use fuel efficiently, a co-operative attempt to reduce congestion will
help to improve delivery efficiencies, reduce delays and wasted time, and may
reduce employee stress, illness and absenteeism.
Transport |
Recommended Actions |
Company Vehicles
Petrol and diesel consumption figures for vehicles can be
readily checked by simple monitoring
Good driving techniques can reduce consumption by 20%. They
also reduce the number of accidents
Train journeys may take longer but the time can be used
constructively to read reports and prepare for meetings
|
- Check to ensure that you are using the most cost effective methods of
transport for goods
- Ensure routes are planned efficiently
|
Employee Travel &
Commuting
The optimal management of travel benefits both employer and
employee
- parking provision is very expensive
- for the employee, commuting has a monetary cost as well as a time
value
- for the employer, there is the cost associated with work related
travel as well as the employee time lost during travel
|
- Consider providing incentives for employees to use public transport,
cycle or walk such as interest free loans for season ticket/bicycle
purchase
- Provide maps, timetables, lockers, as well as shower and change
facilities for employees using public transport or cycles
- Contact Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise for a copy of their
guide ‘The Way to Work’
|
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
Agilent Technologies
developed a package of measures to encourage employees to consider
alternative modes of travel to work, including promotion of bus and rail,
facilities for cyclists and Priority parking spaces for carsharers. The
Travel Plan achieved a 5% reduction in solo-occupancy car trips.
Supported by West Lothian
Council and the Chamber of Commerce, the Kirkton Campus Green Commuting
Forum was set up to lobby transport providers and to work together to
promote and perhaps provide better public transport to the area.
City Couriers provides an
environmentally friendly courier service including speedy city cyclists and
gas powered vans. Not only are harmful emissions significantly reduced, gas
is cheaper than other fuels. Benefiting from this unique approach, City
Couriers have already established an impressive client list, which includes
many of Scotland’s top companies.
The Royal Bank of Scotland
post a wealth of transport information on their intranet site, which also
incorporates a matching facility for employees to car-share to their Gyle
offices.
|
3. Minimising Commercial Risks
It is essential that your company is aware of, and complies
with, both current and future legislation, to avoid the expense of dealing with
costly clean up and/or other penalties. Ensuring that environmental risks are
effectively managed is also critical in minimising the associated commercial
risks. The main areas of concern are
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
A review
of the effluent treatment system at Dage Precision Industries recommended
low cost measures to reduce effluent and extend the life of equipment. Not
only will this ensure compliance with Scottish Water standards, but it could
potentially avoid capital expenditure of up to £100,000 on a new treatment
plant.
An investigation was
conducted at Deans Finishing to identify sources of zinc in the effluent, to
avoid the need to purchase an effluent treatment plant. The solution was to
change the process, enabling the company to meet discharge consents, produce
a better quality product and save £10,000.
Empteezy, manufacturer of
plastic and steel storage systems, reduced air emissions by 60% through use
of alternative coatings, solvent recovery and varying type range and finish
of products. Cost savings of over £9,000 have also been achieved.
Prompted by an environmental questionnaire
from a major supplier, Duneill Engineering conducted a review which
suggested measures to minimise environmental risk and tighten legislative
compliance. They also developed posters to raise employee awareness of
environmental responsibilities. The customer was so impressed they wrote to
complement Duneill on their achievements.
|
Environmental regulation is a complex and rapidly changing area.
In general, the regulations exist to prevent the release of potentially damaging
materials in quantities that are harmful to either the public or the
environment. Even if you are not a manufacturer, environmental regulations and
standards may still be relevant to you.
The regulations operate in two broad ways - regulations that
prevent harmful actions (dumping of asbestos waste for instance) and licenses
that control actions so no harm is caused. You need to be aware of what you must
not do, and what actions require a licence. This section gives a broad guide but
expert guidance is required if you think your business may be affected. The
regulating authorities can offer some assistance, but an environmental
consultant should be used to obtain full advice on how the regulations affect
your business.
What the current Regulations cover:
Those particularly affecting small businesses include:
You must ensure your waste is disposed of legally and that
it is removed by a registered carrier, though you may in general transport
your own waste to a disposal site. Transfer Notes are required to
demonstrate that waste has been passed on correctly. Some hazardous wastes
such as used solvents require special documentation.
Businesses dealing with waste must be licensed. You also
have a duty of care to ensure others who buy, sell or transport your waste
are doing so legally and that the waste in your care does not escape or harm
the environment or the public.
if your turnover exceeds £2 million and you handle more than
50 tonnes of packaging material in a year then you may have to register your
business and recover a percentage of your packaging waste.
Trade effluent which includes discharges from vehicle
washing, can only be discharged to sewers with the permission of East of
Scotland Water, who may prohibit some chemicals and charge for disposal. A
consent is required to discharge water to a river (including drains which
lead to rivers). You can be prosecuted if you pollute a river or stream and
may have to pay for clean-up work - not knowing where your drains lead is
not an excuse.
The Clean Air Act 1993 prevents gross pollution of the air
from industrial processes. Some more polluting industrial processes are
controlled by the Environment Protection Act. If excessive dust, fumes, or
odour is created you may cause a statutory nuisance and your local authority
may serve a notice on you to stop.
If significant quantities of these materials are used you
may need to register your process or reduce usage.
Those that have a particular impact on air quality (small
waste incinerators and vehicle body shops for example) are known as Part B
processes under the Environment Protection Act and have to have an
authorisation to operate. They are specified in the Environmental Protection
(Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991, available from the
Stationery Office.
These must be registered and their disposal must be
authorised, though some low activity sources are exempt.
Future regulations are likely to cover more industrial processes
(including poultry farms), disposal of certain types of used product
(particularly electrical goods and cars), recovery of petrol vapour from filling
stations and abstraction of water from rivers and underground.
Who regulates what
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Contact: 0131 449 7296
- Movement of waste
- Waste storage and disposal sites
- Discharges to rivers (this may include your surface water drainage)
- Operation of large industrial processes and some smaller ones that
have an important impact on air quality (such as small waste
incineration plants and vehicle body shops.)
- Radioactive sources
- Registering of packaging waste producers
Scottish Water Contact: 08457 420 420
Local authority
Legal compliance |
Recommended Actions |
There are
many organisations that can help to identify the legal issues relating to
business activities.
The Duty of Care Regulations are relevant to all businesses
which produce waste including offices and the self employed
The regulatory authorities are willing to offer practical
advice and guidance and many companies have found that working in
partnership often leads to benefits for the company as well as the
environment
|
- Find out more about the regulations relating to your business by
contacting:
- your trade association
- The Envirowise free Helpline
- The Institute of Environmental Management
- SEPA / Scottish Water / The Local Authority
- Regularly check to make sure that you are up to date with new
regulations
|
Pollution Prevention is an approach which evolved in the
manufacturing industry. Its principles have now spread to the service sector.
Prevention is about identifying potential environmental risks and managing them
to ensure they do not materialise.
Pollution Prevention will help to:
- reduce environmental risks & associated commercial liabilities
- obtain cheaper insurance cover
- avoid insurance and financial implications from pollution prosecution
- reduce waste / emissions and associated costs
- contribute to a positive image / improve employee relations
Pollution Prevention &
Site Management |
Recommended Actions |
Many
environmentally hazardous chemicals are still widely used even in small
businesses. Responding to the concern, the chemical companies are now
producing alternatives such as citrus based cleaning agents, low solvent
paints and bacteriological alternatives to chemical pesticides
As well as ensuring that environmental risks are effectively
managed it is good practice to prepare practical emergency and spillage
procedures. Even small spillages of oil or cleaning solvents can be
expensive to clean up, particularly if they pollute water
A well maintained site will help create a good impression
with staff, customers and the local community |
- Review chemical and waste storage and handling and ensure all
environmental risks are minimised. For example, by ensuring that oil
containers are bunded
- Develop spillage and emergency procedures and ensure that all staff
are aware of these
- If your business uses refrigeration or air conditioning equipment or
solvents for cleaning, check to see if they contain ozone depleting
substances, i.e. CFC’s, HCFC's or halons. If so, you may need to find an
alternative
- If you use any other hazardous chemicals, check with your supplier to
find out if there are any alternative, less environmentally damaging,
substances
- Check your insurance policy
|
4. Improving Your Competitive Advantage
As well as ensuring that your company is efficient in the
manufacture of your product or the delivery of your service, there are a number
of other ways in which environmental management can contribute to your
competitive advantage. The following areas will be considered:
Customers are showing increasing interest in the environmental
performance of the businesses from which they purchase goods or services. This
applies both to the general public as well as commercial customers and can take
the form of informal assessments or more formal questionnaires. Some
organisations such as the larger companies are also including environmental
sections within their tender process.
It is clearly important for any business to be able to respond
positively to such interest. Taking the initiative by addressing the
environmental issues relevant to your business and by developing an
Environmental Policy will help to ensure that you are able to meet your
customers’ environmental expectations.
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
Paragon
Inks, a small UV Ink manufacturer, has both exceeded customers expectations
and achieved competitive advantage by providing a value added service which
reduces customers waste disposal costs and generates a profit for Paragon
Inks.
Paterson SA is the first
hairdressing chain in Scotland to develop an environmental management
programme. The programme, which includes targets for waste and energy, was
partly based on questionnaire research with their customers. To demonstrate
their commitment, a copy of their Environmental Policy is displayed in all
salons.
Following an environmental
review, K&I Coachbuilders became the first Scottish company to achieve the
Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association‘s quality standard XL
incorporating ISO9002, which includes environmental management.
Recognising the growing
interest of overseas visitors in environmental issues, the Scottish Tourist
Board have developed the Green Tourism Business Scheme to help guest houses
and hotels improve and demonstrate their environmental performance.
|
The environmental sector is regarded as having significant
potential, both for conventional businesses that introduce environmental
features into their products or services, as well as those which specialise in
environmental goods and services.
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
Electronics company Thistle Design, designed and produced an integrated
system for water level monitoring. The environment sector has subsequently
become one of their main markets, representing 1/3 of turnover, and
additional future orders are estimated at £12,000 per year.
Recognising the lack of
economically viable applications for waste glass, Mac-Glass Recycling
developed products from cullet unusable by the container industry. The
company now produces a range of products using waste glass as an alternative
to sand, transforming the business from a collecting/sorting operation.
The Caledonian Tree Company
developed an innovative root enhancement system made from post-consumer
recycled plastic. With support from Midlothian Council the company relocated
manufacturing to Scotland where it will further develop the product range.
Living Water has clients
throughout the UK for their natural treatment systems. As well as
treating waste waters, the reed beds and constructed wetlands attract
wildlife and become attractive features in their own right.
|
With so many issues to be addressed on a day to day basis,
businesses rarely have time to take a step back and plan for the future. When
opportunities arise, it is important to consider the environmental factors which
could be relevant to your business, as part of the planning process.
As examples:
- Following the introduction of the Landfill Tax and the Climate Change
Levy, it is expected that the Government will introduce other tax measurers
such as:
- an aggregates tax on raw material extraction
- reductions in VAT for further energy saving materials and actions
- incentives to promote the use of natural gas for vehicles
- The development of new environmental technologies might make
conventional technologies obsolescent
From a wider perspective, as governments and others respond to
the challenge of Sustainable Development it is essential that small businesses
evaluate the implications from a strategic perspective to ensure survival and
take advantage of new business opportunities.
One useful method to help you identify possible factors which need to be
considered involves analysing possible trends under the five headings:
| Political / Legal Policy initiatives, new
regulations Economic
Tax incentives, least cost production
Socio-cultural Population
demographics, lifestyle changes, attitudes, consumerism
Technological New technological developments,
rate of obsolescence
Environmental Product/service design, efficient
processes, waste minimisation, Producer Responsibility initiatives |
Gaining a Competitive
Advantage |
Recommended Actions |
It is becoming
increasingly common for organisations to ask their suppliers for copies of
their environmental policies and evidence that they are complying with
environmental regulations
Many companies are now actively responding to the
environmental challenges affecting their industry by developing new products
and services with associated environmental benefits |
- Ensure that you are in a position to meet any of your customers
environmental demands
- Develop an Environmental Policy (see Section 5.2)
- Explore opportunities to build partnerships with suppliers to help
reduce environmental impacts
- Assess the design of your product / service from an environmental
perspective and evaluate potential of any opportunities to strengthen the
environmental features and to exploit new market opportunities. As
example, design products:
- to have a long life
- to be easily repaired
- to be energy efficient
- Incorporate environmental considerations into business planning
|
5. Making Things Happen
From a business perspective, it is essential that you are
efficient in your use of resources and comply with those regulations which
relate to your activities. As discussed in the previous chapter, it is
beneficial to address the wider environmental issues to help maintain and
enhance your business competitiveness.
Those companies which most successfully realise the benefits of
environmental management:
Many companies are also developing Environmental Management
Systems as an effective method of managing the environmental aspects relating to
their businesses.
Some actual examples of benefits achieved in practice
Building
on existing good environmental practice, Capital Cooling prepared an
Environmental Policy to demonstrate their commitment to continual
improvement. They have now recruited a new employee to further develop the
environmental management system.
Napiers, the Edinburgh
based manufacturer and retailer of natural medicines, creams and ointments
already employ a number staff who are very environmentally aware. Largely on
their own initiative, the staff have developed an Environmental Improvement
Plan and have shared the responsibilities for implementing the plan. Not
only does this help to meet their customers’ demands for high environmental
standards, it has also developed a strong sense of pride amongst the staff.
Alba Trees put key staff
through an environmental training session as a first step in development of
their environmental management system. Work is ongoing towards ISO 14001
accreditation which will further enhance the company‘s credentials in a
market that is very aware of the issues.
Macmerry Industrial Estate,
was surveyed by an Environmental Placement Programme student to identify key
issues, as part of an environmental awareness raising initiative The
Macmerry Sustainability Partnership has now been established with East
Lothian Council, Power Systems Scottish Power and Scottish Water to help
businesses benefit from the opportunities identified.
|
Employees are often an excellent source of ideas for
environmental improvements and can often be motivated by being involved.
Furthermore, their active support is going to be critical if the business is to
successfully implement improvement plans. Personnel development programmes such
as Investors in People provide an excellent framework within which to
incorporate environmental training.
Encouraging and raising awareness of environmental issues with
employees will both motivate and encourage staff loyalty, as well as helping you
to realise the wider commercial benefits of environmental management.
An Environmental Policy is a formal commitment, which sets out
your approach to the environment and your longer term objectives. It should be
promoted to employees, customers and any other stakeholders in your business.
The policy should include a commitment to meet all relevant regulatory and
legislative requirements plus a commitment to continual environmental
improvement.
In order to ensure that the Policy is implemented, it is a good
idea to develop an Environmental Action Plan. The plan will include more
detailed objectives, agreed by management and staff, and will be reviewed
regularly.
It is likely to be most effective if the objectives and targets
are measurable and realistic, and if responsibilities and resources are
allocated to each objective, with target dates for completion.
Making things Happen |
Recommended Actions |
Many organisations,
publications and consultants give practical guidance on the development and
implementation of environmental policies and action plans, as well as the
development of more formal environmental management systems
It is often a good idea to run staff awareness programmes
and to establish environmental action teams to help get the employees
involved
The Institute of Environmental Management has recently been
established to support the professional development of environmental
managers |
- Assign environmental responsibilities
- Develop an environmental policy and action plan
- Ensure that employees are actively involved in any environmental
initiatives
- Incorporate environmental training within staff development plans
- Communicate your environmental achievements to staff, customers and
the local community
- Consider the development of an environmental management system
|
| |
Example Environmental Policy
This is to certify that the management and staff of
Recognise the importance of the environmental issues relating to their
business and are committed to:
Meet or
exceed regulatory requirements
Minimise the
use of materials, water and energy.
Minimise
wastes produced in all parts of the business
Minimise the
environmental impact of our transport operations
Assess the
environmental impact of all our operations on a regularly basis
Continuously
improve our environmental performance.
Work with
customers and suppliers on the environmental issues relating to our
activities
Involving
all staff in the implementation of this policy.
Signed:
Date:
Managing Director
|
6. Useful Contacts & Publications
Listed below are just some of the organisations that can provide
information and advice to help you with any of the various environmental issues
relating to your business.
Biowise Biotechnology at work
Helpline Tel: 0800 432 100
www.dti.gov.uk/biowise |
Biowise
aims to help companies find biotechnology solutions to industrial
problems including treatment of effluents/emissions and the remediation of
contaminated land. Biowise can provide both advice and information. |
Business Environmental Partnership
Tel: 0131 654 1234
www.met.org.uk/bep |
The Business Environmental Partnership (BEP) can provide free advice and
practical assistance to help businesses with waste minimisation and
environmental management. The BEP
can also provide supervised student placements through the Environmental
Placement Programme which is run in association with the Shell Technology
Enterprise Programme (STEP). |
Building Research Establishment (BRE)
Tel: 01923 66 44 61
www.bre.co.uk/waste |
BRE
provides information and advice on the impacts of buildings and their
components on global, local and indoor environments. Also provides
information on the availability and demand for construction and demolition
waste. |
Chambers Of Commerce
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 0131 477 7000
Midlothian Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise
Tel: 0131 654 1234
West Lothian Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 01506 777937 |
Chambers of Commerce provide a local forum for business. Services
include business support and advice, guest speakers and events, visits to
interesting locations, networking opportunities, business training, and
affinity schemes.
|
DETR/DTI Joint Environmental Markets Unit (JEMU)
Tel: 0207 215 1078
www.dti.gov.uk.jemu |
JEMU
aims to provide industry with details of opportunities available for
exporting to overseas environmental markets. JEMU currently holds a database
of 5,000 UK suppliers of environmental goods and services. |
Energy Savings Trust
Tel: 0131 244 7683
www.est.org.uk |
Manages various programmes to encourage energy savings. Can provide grants,
rebates or loans to assist with e.g. installation of energy efficient
heating and lighting, and conversion to cleaner fuel vehicles. |
Environment and Energy Helpline
Tel: 0800 585794 |
Free information and advice on every aspect of environmental and energy
management, either immediate solutions to urgent problems or longer-term
strategies for achieving lower costs and higher profits. |
Environment Council
Tel: 0207 836 2626
www.the-environment-council.org.uk |
The Environment Council has established the ‘Conservers at Work Scheme’
which provides support to individuals who want to improve their company’s
environmental performance. The Council also publishes an Environmental
Handbook and the ‘Who’s Who in the Environment Scotland’. |
Envirowise
Tel: 0800 585794
www.envirowise.gov.uk |
Envirowise offers free environmental information and practical
assistance. As well as advice through the telephone helpline, and an
extensive range of publications such as ‘Finding Hidden Profit – 200 Tips
for Reducing Waste’, businesses may be able to benefit from a free visit
from a counsellor to identify measures to improve environmental performance. |
Graduates for Growth
Tel: 0131 477 8029
www.graduatesforgrowth.org |
Largely funded by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians and supported
by CBI Scotland,Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Edinburgh
Universities, to assist small and medium companies to employ graduates.
Offers a sifting and screening service, followed by a training and mentoring
programme. |
Greentie Centre
Tel : 031 46 4202203
www.greentie.org |
The Greentie Centre maintains a
user-friendly database of environmental technologies, established in
response to Agenda 21, to facilitate the exchange of information on
greenhouse gas mitigating technologies. |
Institute of Environmental Management (IEMA)
Tel : 0131 558 8810
www.iema.net |
The IEM is a professional body
committed to developing sustainable business practices. It supports members
through raising the professional status of environmental management in
industry, and furthering environmental competence & best practice. They
provide a wide range of information, arrange workshops and publish a regular
quarterly journal of best practice, which is also available to non-members. |
Local Authority
|
Your
Local Authority can provide you with support formany aspects of your
business. |
Lothian & Edinburgh Environmental
Partnership (LEEP)
Tel : 0131 555 4010
www.leep.org.uk |
LEEP operate a number of
energy, recycling, transport and other environmental projects throughout
Edinburgh and the Lothians. |
Napier University
Contact: Martin Askey
0131 455 2672 |
Napier University run a number
of short courses on environmental management specifically for businesses. |
New Deal Environment Task Force
Tel: 0131 454 9049 |
This scheme can assist you to recruit an unemployed 18 – 24 year old to
conduct environmental projects, under supervision, and offers wage subsidies
and money towards training. |
RAGS Recycling Advisory Group Scotland
Tel : 0131 553 3303
www.rags.org.uk |
RAGS represent and promote
recycling and waste minimisation in Scotland. |
Scottish Energy Efficiency Office (SEEO)
Tel: 0141 242 5835
www.energy-efficiency.org |
The
SEEO promotes many useful publications on allaspects of energy
management, including ‘Practical Energy Saving Guide for Small Business’. It
can also provide free advice to small and medium sized businesses and may
offer a free site visit from an energy advisor to help identify savings. |
Scottish Environmental Industries
Association (SEIA)
Contact : Nita Redfearn Tel : 0131 472 4035
www.seia.co.uk |
The SEIA assists and promotes
Scottish-based environmental companies in marketing and exporting
environmental technologies and services. It acts as a catalyst for
environmental technology development and commercialisation, and provides a
point of contact for industry throughout Scotland. |
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA)
East Region Office
Tel : 0131 449 7296
www.sepa.org.uk |
SEPA has taken over the
functions of the Forth River Purification Board, HM Industrial Pollution
Inspectorate and the waste regulation air pollution control functions of the
old District Councils. |
Scottish Water
Tel: 0845 601 8855
www.scottishwater.co.uk |
Scottish Water is responsible for the supply of water to businesses,
together with the treatment of sewage and industrial effluents. |
Small Business Gateway
Tel: 0845 609 6611
www.sbgateway.com |
Provides a wealth of advice, information and support for both start-up and
established businesses. Aims to be a first stop for all your information
needs. |
VIBES Awards
www.vibes.org.uk |
This annual competition and award encourages business efficiency and
competitiveness through improved environmental performance. Check the
web-site for case studies on previous winners. |
Waste Watch
Tel : 0171 248 0242
www.wastewatch.org.uk |
Waste Watch is a national
agency promoting action on waste reduction and recycling. They produce a UK
Recycled Products Guide, with details of companies promoting products
manufactured from recycled materials. |
As well as numerous publications produced and available through
the organisations listed above, the following publications may also be of
interest:
The Better Business Pack
NatWest Ventures
Tel : 0131 243 4589 |
Produced as a joint initiative
between the WWF and NatWest Group, the Pack is full of checklists and
practical tips to help increase profits by reducing environmental impact. |
Croner’s Environmental Management
Croners Publications
Tel: 0181 247 1175
www.croner.co.uk |
One of a number of practical
guides produced by Croners. Regularly updated and also available on CD ROM. |
ENDS
Environmental Data Services
Tel: 0171 278 4745
www.ends.co.uk |
Monthly report covering environmental issues including environmental
standards, industry/policy trends, court activity and events. ENDS
also publish a Directory of Environmental Consultants. |
Environment Business
Information for Industry
Tel : 020 7393 7845 |
Fortnightly newsletters and
bi-monthly magazines covering UK & EU environmental policy, legislation.
Environment Business also publishes an Environmental Directory. |
Environmental Compliance Manual
Information for Industry
Tel : 020 7393 7845 |
The manual covers all aspects
of environmental regulations and is updated quarterly. A computerised
version is also available. |
Going Green
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 0131 477 7000 |
An invaluable handbook of environmental guidance for managers of tourism
businesses. |
Green Futures
Forum for the Future
Tel: 01223 564334 |
Bi-monthly magazine containing information opinion and debate. The focus is
on communicating solutions and best practice. |
Green Guide to Scotland
Green Guide Publishing
Tel: 0171 354 2709
www.greenguideonline.com |
Eco-friendly consumers directory. Contains only regional listings aimed at
enabling the consumer to make decisions on an informed basis. Also available
on-line. |
Green Office Action Plan
Friends of the Earth (Scotland)
Tel : 0131 554 9977 |
Friends of the Earth produced
this guide for busy office administrators who want to help the environment. |
Less is More
Scottish Water
Tel: 0131 445 6433 |
Final report of the East of Scotland Waste Minimisation Project. Contains
results of the project and useful case studies. |
Managing Waste – a business guide
The Open University
Tel: 01908 858794
www.open.ac.uk/studentweb/t541 |
A guide designed to help you understand the production of waste; this
contains tools to review waste, checklists and case studies. Some very
useful checklists are available free on the web-site. |
Materials Recycling Handbook
Tel : 0181 277 5540 |
A comprehensive guide to
specifications for most sectors of recycling in the UK. |
No Time to Waste –a practical guide to waste minimisation
SEPA
Tel: 0131 449 7296 |
This useful video takes you step-by-step through the drivers for waste
minimisation and outlines a systematic approach, all illustrated with
case-studies |
Success & Sustainability
Midlothian Chamber of Commerceand Enterprise
Tel: 0131 456 1234
|
A guide to sustainable development for owners and managers of small and
medium-sized businesses – what it is and why it matters, and what to expect
for the future. |
|
(231kb) 
