Content Starts Here

How to run a "green" business

It's your business to be green

When it comes to environmental issues "green is mean" - which is great news for any business hoping to save money and the planet at the same time.

Energy is one of the easiest places to save cash quickly. Small businesses could easily cut their fuel bills by up to 20%, according to Action Energy which helps companies to use less energy. As a nation we waste about £12 billion of energy each year and for many small businesses forgetting to turn out the lights can mean the difference between profit and loss.

Some large companies even insist that their suppliers are energy-efficient if they want to keep their order. So if you can't measure it you can't manage it: check meters regularly to see how much electricity, gas and oil you're using and make sure bills relate to what you use and aren't estimates.

To see just how green your business is take a walk round your factory, warehouse or factory and look at the following:

Lighting

Switching off lights in empty rooms can wipe 15% off your bills. Put up stickers or posters to remind staff and make sure they turn off computers and machinery when not in use. Turn down lighting in corridors and cupboards.

Natural light is free and also boosts morale: make sure windows and skylights are clean and not blocked by furniture or boxes. Clean light fittings annually.

Heating

If staff are wandering around in summer clothes in December then your heating is too high. Turn the thermostat down rather than opening doors or windows and don't put furniture in front of radiators. Make sure the thermostat is in the right place - not somewhere that is unusually hot, cold or draughty.

Don't heat your building beyond the maximum recommended level of 19°C. Costs rise by 8% for each 1°C of overheating. Turn the heat down, or off, in parts of the building where people don't work - such as storerooms - or where staff are engaged in hard physical labour. Remember to switch off heating during holidays, weekends or overnight.

Machinery

Check that motors, drives, fans and pumps are all properly maintained as inefficient machinery can drive up your energy bill. If you need a new motor look for a Higher Efficiency model which can qualify for tax relief.

If you use compressed air, spotting and fixing leaks can save up to 30% of your energy requirement. Lowering the system's pressure and making sure the air compressor has a good supply of cool air will also cut costs.

Waste

Remember the three 'R's: reduce, reuse, recycle. Make it easy for staff to drop bottles, cans and papers into appropriate recycling centres. Think of other people who might be able to use your waste. Rather than throw it away, sandwich shop Pret a manger, for example, gives some of its unsold food to charities. A carpet fitter donates off-cuts to playgroups for children to sit on and make collages from.

Transport

Check your vehicles are as green as they could be and encourage staff to travel by train, bus or bike. Provide bike sheds and consider public transport when planning events such as a sales conference.

The wider world

Being environmentally-friendly isn't just about your factory or office. Take a look at your suppliers and their record on green issues. Think about where your raw materials come from and how much packaging you use. Consider ways of contributing to your local community.

Action Energy: www.actionenergy.org.uk

Friends of the Earth: www.foe.co.uk

Friends of the Earth, Scotland produces a booklet with "green" business tips. www.foe-scotland.org.uk

Wastewatch: www.wastewatch.org.uk

page: 1 | 2