South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Going Green Gets Easier

22 October 2007

South East companies that want to improve their environmental credentials can now benefit from more in-depth advice and support than ever before.

Business Link has expanded the information available on its website and now offers specific guidance for businesses wanting to tackle ‘green’ issues. New guides published include how to make financial benefits by saving energy, reducing and managing waste more efficiently and cutting carbon emissions.

Erica Russell, Marketing Manager of Business Link’s Sustainable Business Service, said: “Greening an organisation has many business benefits; it is becoming more and more important in order to secure new customers. ‘Green’ supply chains are increasingly in demand and new contracts can be won, or lost, depending on a company’s environmental credentials.

“Becoming more environmentally aware and improving resource efficiency can have a very positive effect on a company’s bottom line. Examining its sustainable business practices can also provide a clear way of looking at some of the risks your business faces. Being aware of and complying with environmental legislation ensures your company is on the right side of the law.”
The new online topics include:

• The direct business benefits of being green
• How to manage a greener business
• Support and advice available for businesses on environmental issues
• How to grow your business through sustainable innovation
• How to make your business more sustainable
• How to prevent your business causing pollution
• How to understand your legal compliance and waste responsibilities

Business Link has created a number of online interactive tools to help businesses with green issues including ‘Assess your environmental compliance’ and ‘Identify where you can save money by going green’. South East businesses can also sign up for email alerts to ensure they are aware of forthcoming changes and new environmental regulations.

Erica Russell continued: “There are real benefits to becoming an environmentally aware business and if you do manage to gain ‘green credentials’, you should tell your customers and suppliers. Business Link can offer access to specialist advice on how to tackle environmental issues and gain bottom line benefits.”

For more information on how to ‘green’ your company, call 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/environment