Businesses Urged Not To Miss Out On Environmental Savings

15th October 2008

When it comes to putting environmental plans into action, companies in the Highlands and Islands could be losing out on savings of up to £1000 per employee.

Challenges currently facing businesses including rising raw material and energy costs, customer expectations and environmental legislation will be discussed at the free Envirowise events held in Wick, Inverness, Fort William and Elgin from 28-31 October.

Companies from across the Highlands and Islands are urged to come along to one of the events to see how they can start improving their environmental performance and increase their profits right away.

Sustainability expert Envirowise will offer impartial expert advice on current environmental issues, practical tips on water minimisation, cleaner design information and updates on legislation.

As part of the commitment to helping improve the sustainability of activities in the region, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is keen for local businesses to attend their nearest Envirowise event to find out how they can benefit from energy savings. Businesses attending will be able to find out when and how to start improving their resource efficiency through expert advisors which will be extremely useful especially at a time when energy costs are rising.

Loch Ness hotel, Lovat Arms, has a strong environmental ethic and last month was awarded the Resource Efficiency Excellence Award by Envirowise at the SCDI Highland and Islands event. Caroline Gregory, 29, managing partner of Lovat Arms at Fort Augustus, 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 around £1000 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 cent 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: "For many companies in Scotland, knowing where to start on the road to improving their resource efficiency is the biggest challenge. Envirowise can offer expert guidance on looking at current practices to identify where changes can be made and show local businesses exactly where potential financial savings can be achieved.

"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 advisors 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."

In addition to the seminar, one-to-one discussions with Envirowise experts will also be available.

To find out how your business can get more from wasting less or to reserve your space for this event, please contact Kate Lynch-Blosse by email kate.lynch-blosse[AT]envirowise.gov.uk. Alternatively you can register online at:

www.envirowise.gov.uk/increaseprofitwick for event on Tuesday 28 October at Mackays Hotel on Union Street, Wick from 9.00am until 1.30pm.

www.envirowise.gov.uk/increaseprofitinverness for event on Wednesday 29 October at Kingsmills Hotel on Culcabock Road, Inverness from 9.00am until 1.30pm.

www.envirowise.gov.uk/increaseprofitelgin for event on Thursday 30 October at Eight Acres Hotel on Morriston Road, Elgin from 9.00am until 1.30pm.

www.envirowise.gov.uk/increaseprofitfortwilliam for event on Friday 31 October at Lochaber College, An Aird, Fort William from 9.00am until 1.30pm.