Benefits of improving
your environmental performance
Protecting the environment can
benefit your business in a number of ways. While your business must
comply with environmental legislation, there is much to be gained
by taking your commitment further.
It's easy
Reducing, reusing and recycling at work is straightforward and
easy to do. It's easy to use less, reuse what you can and separate
out materials to recycle from your other waste. All you have to do
is get a good system in place.
Smaller companies often feel they do not generate enough
recyclable material. By joining in with neighbouring companies will
make economies of scale more attractive to recycling contractors
and more cost effective to businesses.
It saves money
Finding ways to reduce the amount of waste your business generates
could help your company become more efficient and profitable.
Typically up to four per cent of business turnover is spent on
disposing of waste. That is a lot of cash wasted on… well waste.
There may also be an opportunity to reduce your insurance premiums
through improved environmental practices.
There are lots of no-cost or low-cost activities that businesses
can do which make real financial sense. By reducing the amount of
waste you produce you will be able to save money on the cost of
your waste disposal contract.
It saves space and can reduce clutter
Reducing, reusing and recycling often reduces clutter and improves
the working environment. Less clutter also means increased safety
around the workplace.
It's good for the environment
Waste in England has become one of the most pressing environmental
issues. Reducing, reusing and recycling at work will help you
reduce the environmental impact of your business. Managing your
waste in a sustainable manner will mean a diversion away from
landfill and incineration to more environmentally preferable
options. Increased reduction and reuse efforts will favour the
environment by cutting down on the quantity of raw materials
required
It's good for public relations
Tackling environmental issues can improve your reputation with all
your stakeholders. Customer, shareholders and employees are
starting to question the impact of their business operations on the
environment. More and more, the public makes choices informed by a
business's green credentials. In 2004, shoppers spent about £26
billion on ethical and environmental products, an increase of 15
per cent on the previous year.
It feels good
The feel good factor is undeniable. Ask your staff if they would
like to do their bit, we are sure you will be encouraged by the
response.
Fulfil your legal obligations
Through environmental legislation, producers of waste are
ultimately responsible for its disposal, so you need to know and be
able to document where your waste is going - be it recycling,
composting, incineration or landfill.