The Environment Agency claims that businesses that adopt green practices are saving UK industry upwards of £5 million every year. And while going green can save £££s, it also serves to enhance reputations with customers and investors, drives innovation and creates markets.
In it’s Spotlight on Business report, the Environment Agency looks at what is changing:
- Energy use increased by one per cent, while productivity increased by seven per cent.
- The farming sector improved energy efficiency by 20 per cent.
- The fuel and power sector improved energy efficiency by 15 per cent.
- Industrial water efficiency is at its best since 1996.
- Overall waste recovery was the highest ever at 59 per cent (54 per cent in Wales).
- Businesses … increased the amount of hazardous waste they re-use or recycle to 44 per cent – the highest on record.
- Ethical shoppers spent £26 billion in 2005 – an increase of 15 per cent. The environmental impact of packaging is a particular concern.
- Valuations of socially responsible investment funds applying ethical, environmental or social criteria to their investments have grown by 500 per cent in 10 years.
The Environment Agency goes on to tell businesses that by preventing pollution, becoming more resource efficient, turning waste into cash, cutting carbon emmissions, saving water and checking that waste contractors are registered, they can make considerable inroads into going green.
Here are some Eco Street tips for greening your businesses:
- Run energy efficient computer hardware, like the Ecosystem from Jinglehorse.
- Switch to green electricity.
- Recycle ink cartridges, paper and anything else you can.
- Hire a green cleaning service.
- Buy recycled stationery.
- Cut carbon emissions and save paper by sending a corporate ecard this Christmas/Yule/Hannukah.
- Switch to renewably powered web hosting.