Companies losing money by ignoring green business advice
Highland firms urged to attend environmental events
Published:
COMPANIES in the Highlands and Islands could be losing out on savings of up to £1,000 per employee by not putting environmental plans into action.
Now the challenges facing businesses, including rising raw material and energy costs, customer expectations and environmental legislation will be discussed at free Envirowise events to be held in Wick, Inverness, Fort William and Elgin from October 28 to 31.
Companies from across the Highlands and Islands are urged to see how they can start improving their environmental performance and increase their profits.
Sustainability experts Envirowise will offer impartial expert advice on current environmental issues, practical tips on water minimisation, cleaner design information and updates on legislation.
The Lovat Arms Hotel in Fort Augustus has been forwarded by the organisers as an enterprise with a strong environmental ethic. Managing partner Caroline Gregory, 29, said: “Since March 2007, the hotel has had a strong environmental policy in place ensuring the efficient use of resources. Not only has this reduced our environmental impact but it's also saved the business considerable money too. Each month we save about £1,000 on fuel costs by using a biomass woodchip boiler, which is centrally controlled by a computer. This guarantees that heating can be changed in all bedrooms and public rooms according to their specific requirements. With oil prices at around 7p per KWh, woodchips only cost 2.5p, and we reap the benefits of this difference.
“By using dual-flush toilets, an upgraded hot water system, acute recycling and composting, water and wastewater expense has been reduced by almost 10% per guest this year. Many businesses underestimate how such simple and low-cost measures can really make a difference to their bottom line and boost their green credentials."
Robbie Weir, Envirowise programme manager for Scotland, said: “The seminars will examine useful tools such as measurement and benchmarking, which can help a business monitor their resource use and highlight where savings can be made. Our expert advisers will also outline the concept of the ‘cleaner design' approach, which explores ways of reducing wasteful elements in products and packaging during the design process."
E-mail kate.lynch-blosse@envirowise.gov.uk for more.
