Tip offs for a greener business future

A survey by the Environment Agency’s SME guidance website NetRegs.gov.uk has revealed that the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) taking action
to improve their energy and water efficiency has doubled in just two years.  55% of SMEs now have measures in place to reduce the harm they do to the environment.  84% are recycling their waste, up from 66% in 2007.

However, the recession seems to be taking its toll on green business practices, with just one in five planning to invest in improving their environmental performance over the next year.  More than half claim an EMS or environmental policy is ‘of no use’ to their business in the current climate, despite evidence that those with green credentials are more likely to win new business. 

Against this backdrop, NetRegs is urging the industry to continue its good progress.  Improving environmental practices does not need to cost money and can improve profit margins. NetRegs has developed some top tips to help healthcare SMEs build a greener business future. 

1. Nominate one person who is responsible for environmental issues – and support them.  Suggest that they make a list of all the areas where environmental performance can be improved.

2. Use NetRegs.gov.uk to carry out an online self assessment for your business.  This will help to identify particular areas in need of improvement and also help you to stay compliant with the law by highlighting what regulations apply to your business.

3. Implement an environmental policy, which clearly outlines your targets e.g. to increase the amount of waste recycled and reduce energy use. 

4. Encourage all members of staff to take environmental policies seriously – the more support you have, the better the results will be. NetRegs has found that those businesses implementing environmental measures often see a more motivated workforce as a result.

5. Put some measurements in place to see what difference your new behaviour is having, year on year. For example, look at your energy unit consumption on your energy bill. You can cut it down by ensuring all staff turn off their PC monitors, lights and electric appliances over night.

6. Carry out a waste audit.  Make sure that you are recycling your waste or that your waste contractor is sorting and pre-treating your waste on your behalf.  NetRegs.gov.uk has a directory of licensed waste contractors to help you find one locally.

7. Use NetRegs.gov.uk to sign up for free email updates on changing regulations, which have been found to save businesses around £2,600 a year. 

NetRegs.gov.uk is delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency and other UK regulators to provide free guidance to SMEs on how to comply with environmental legislation. The website explains exactly what businesses need to do to improve their green credentials, avoid fines and save money through greener business practices.

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Notes to editor

• NetRegs was launched in 2004 to provide SMEs in the UK with free guidance on complying with environmental legislation without the need to register.
• NetRegs - www.netregs.gov.uk - is a partnership between the Environment Agency in England and Wales (EA and EAW), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA, formerly the Environment and Heritage Service).
• The website currently offers specific guidelines for over 110 business types in the UK.
• Businesses can opt to receive free email alerts from NetRegs to keep up-to-date on forthcoming legislation or any changes to current environmental regulations.  Visit  www.netregs.gov.uk

For more information:
Emily Luscombe / Sarah Taylor / Zara Withers, Camargue, 020 7636 7366.
eluscombe@camarguepr.com / staylor@camarguepr.com / zwithers@camarguepr.com