ENVIRONMENT
Climate Change: local solutions to a global issue As the global call for action grows louder, politicians across the world are looking urgently at ways in which we can all address the full impact of climate change, not only on the environment but also at the social, political and economic level.
Helping Businesses Go Green Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory (LCEI) works with small and medium sized businesses across the Liverpool City Region to help them go green. A partnership between Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool University and University of Lancaster, LCEI connects businesses with world-class university expertise and facilities, helping to develop innovative low carbon products, processes and services. Working with more than 250 businesses since 2015, they provide wide ranging support, covering everything from research and development, feasibility studies, product testing and carbon calculations, to exploring ways to re-use waste or a whole-business energy assessment. Being eco-friendly is often low on the list of priorities when it comes to running a small business, but more and more SMEs are now looking for help to reduce their carbon footprint as they recognise the business benefits. Making a commitment to being low carbon can give you a step up in bidding for contracts, supplier relationships and lead generation and help build a positive reputation for your company.
There are many ways you can reduce your carbon emissions, and every little helps!
Top Tips to Go Low Carbon… • Energy Check. Start reducing your carbon emissions with free Carbon Footprint Profiling from LCEI which looks at your energy use, your buildings, your processes and more and includes advice on low carbon options. • Re-think Waste. Is there a byproduct of your operation that you have always thought was not recyclable? We can help you explore ways to repurpose, reuse or recycle waste that would otherwise have gone to landfill. • Research and Development. Got an idea for an eco product or service? We can help you test and refine your plans with university labs and expertise. • Innovation! The best way to really go low carbon is to get innovative. Give your teams the opportunity and freedom to get creative. Explore new low carbon ways of working, manufacturing your products or delivering your services.
‘Being eco-friendly is often low on the list of priorities when it comes to running a small business, but more and more SMEs are now looking for help to reduce their carbon footprint as they recognise the business benefits.’ 14
Ged MacDomhnaill Managing Director, Climbing Hangar
The Climbing Hangar The Climbing Hangar is a national climbing chain that is putting sustainability at the heart of its growth plans. They approached Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory for help as the plastic holds used at their centres are currently not recyclable and have to be changed regularly to maintain safe climbing. Across the UK, around 100,000 tonnes of plastic climbing holds are sent to landfill each year and the LCEI is exploring options to extend their life and reduce waste. “The support that we are receiving from LCEI is critical because sustainability is at the heart of our expansion but the R&D is far beyond our expertise, they have been brilliant in helping us find where science meets commercial needs.”