WIREDGOV

New figures show that Scottish businesses saved more than £29 million in 2007 by taking steps to reduce their waste.

The figures have been published by business advisory service Envirowise and show that financial savings were up almost 100 per cent on 2006.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment Richard Lochhead said:

"£29 million would be an eye-catching figure in a more normal economic climate, but with Scotland in recession, there has never been a better time for businesses to consider how to minimise their waste.

"The potential savings that could be made, as well as, of course, the environmental benefits from reducing waste are clear.

"An excellent example is Edinburgh's Radisson Hotel, who, with the help of Envirowise, identified an annual saving of £40,000 by reducing its water use.

"In addition, Caltek Aluminum Systems in Livingston have implemented a recycling service that will divert almost 18 tonnes of waste from landfill, and reducing annual bills by £1,684.

"Envirowise have also reported increased interest in the advice they offer, and research shows that savings made by businesses who use them are much greater than those who don't. Just think how much more could be saved if even more organisations used them.

"I would therefore encourage all businesses in Scotland to consider how to minimise their waste and pick up the phone to Envirowise."

"Individuals, the public sector and businesses all have a responsibility as we move towards becoming a Zero Waste Scotland."

Envirowise programme manager for Scotland Robbie Weir added:

"The results highlight the fact that many businesses in Scotland are leading the way when it comes to improving resource efficiency.

"Envirowise can help companies to make, plan, implement and stick to their environmental goals. By focusing efforts on one area, measuring use, applying change and then re-measuring, companies will be able to see a significant reduction in costs.

"Even small, simple measures can have an immediate effect, and it needn't take a lot of time; just one hour a week can be enough to convert good environmental intentions into real financial savings.

"More and more businesses are finding that their environmental credentials are becoming increasingly linked to their reputation, securing new business and staying one step ahead of the competition.

"With a strong environmental reputation and such massive savings to be gained, companies will be hard pushed to find an excuse not to join those who have been leading the way to 'green' their business."

The total savings figure of £29.2 million includes:

• £17.1 million raw savings
• £1.3 million from organisations managed as Key Accounts
• £2.8 million worth of time
• £8 million costs of obtaining information

The report was carried out by Databuild Research and Solutions in December 2008.

The report assesses environmental savings made in the calendar year 2007 by a sample of companies in Scotland in which Envirowise has been active and reports on environmental savings that can be attributed to the work of Envirowise with those companies.

Envirowise is a Scottish Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of Scottish business practice. Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1 billion by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints. Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:

• The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794 and website
• On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
• Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions

Since partnering with Envirowise in 2006, the Radisson SAS hotel in Edinburgh has identified savings of almost £40,000 in water, energy and waste conservation. The company recognised water as one of their most financially draining resources.

Livingston-based Caltek Aluminum Systems, the specialist manufacturer and supplier of aluminium architectural components such as windows, doors, and roofs, is leading by example when it comes to improving its green credentials. By enlisting the help of sustainability expert Envirowise and joining the Small Business Support Programme in June last year, the company has slashed its energy costs by £306 per year and implemented a recycling service that will divert almost 18 tonnes of waste from landfill, reducing waste bills by £1684 per year.

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment

http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Envirowise-in-Scotland.html

http://www.infoscotland.com/gogreener/CCC_FirstPage.jsp