Sustainability can make a difference to every business.
WHY is green good for my business?
“We face a huge challenge but already know many solutions. Many climate change solutions can deliver economic benefits while improving our lives and protecting the environment.
United Nations Climate Change Conference
» Your sustainability initiatives may not be the only reason people choose you but they can help you to differentiate your business and make you stand out from the crowd. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the health of our planet and are more and more likely to look for businesses that are doing their bit to minimise impacts.
» Sustainability initiatives can help bring people to your door.
» If corporate customers are important to your business then sustainability initiatives can help you to meet the Corporate Social Responsibility requirements in their purchasing policies.
CONCIERGE CAMPING, West Ashling
Installation of electric vehicle charging points
As part of a programme to reduce their own carbon emissions, Concierge Camping wanted to make it easier for their patrons and visitors to reduce their emissions as well. They installed both Tesla chargers (for patrons only) and Polar Super Chargers (for patrons and visitors). This makes Concierge camping a desirable destination for visitors with electric vehicles as they can charge their cars while they’re on site.
“Our listing in the National Charger Database has resulted in people seeking out the site, making use of our on-site shop, café and restaurant facilities and then recommending us to others!”
Concierge Camping ManagerSUSTAINABILITY »» STATISTIC
86% of travellers are willing to spend some time on activities that offset the environmental impact of their stay. Over a third would be willing to clear plastic and litter from a beach or attraction.
booking.com
» Sustainable initiatives can cut your energy costs, reduce your water usage, minimise your waste collection fees and more.
» Considering ways to ‘reduce, re-use and recycle’ can help cut spending.
» Collaborating with other local businesses can result in costs being shared.
Potential savings from switching incandescent bulbs to LEDs
100 watt incandescent bulb
Save up to £15 per bulb per year
Based on 1,100-lumen bulb running for 562 hours per year.
75 watt incandescent bulb
Save up to £10 per bulb per year
Based on 825-lumen bulb running for 503.5 hours per year.
Energy Saving Trust
STUBCROFT FARM CAMPSITE, Witterings
Implementation of solar thermal heating
Stubcroft Farm wanted to harness the use of a non-carbon energy supply and chose to install solar thermal heating in their award winning amenity block.
“Using solar thermal heating to generate hot water and heating for our amenity block has significantly reduced our energy usage and operating costs. Our customers also tell us they really value knowing the heating and hot water is all generated in an environmentally-friendly way.”
Simon Green, Managing DirectorFarmhouse Cookery investigated ways to make the most efficient use of their existing delivery vehicles.
“We make use of our existing delivery network and van capacity to collect and deliver other producers’ items. That means alongside collecting ingredients for use in our kitchen and delivering our own products we deliver products for other local businesses as well.”
Clare Burt, Director» Sustainability can help attract new staff members who share your values.
» It can make staff proud to work with you and make them great ambassadors for your brand.
» It can improve your staff retention by demonstrating you care about your staff, your customers and your environment.
» Prioritising other local businesses in your supply chain can support their workforce and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
SUSTAINABILITY
The main group of jobseekers who take a stance for sustainability are aged 23-38. In fact, a recent Totaljobs survey shows that 50% would consider quitting their job to work for a more eco-friendly organisation.
2019 Totaljobs survey
»» STATISTIC
Focusing on keeping their supply chain local
Mulberry Marine Experiences found a local seamstress to make the specialist ‘Mermaid Tail’ monofins they need for teaching.
“We started doing this to support our ethos of using local businesses and reducing our carbon footprint as otherwise we’d have to import mermaid tails from China. It’s had added benefits as well though - our customers love knowing the mermaid tails are locally made and the creativeness of our seamstress allowed us to change small details to help get a great fit we could not get otherwise.
“ Generation Z really care about the planet they are inheriting and expect their employer to act responsibly towards both their own wellbeing and the impact their business has on the environment.
Emma Osborne, Founder, recruitment agency Citizen Kind
Quoted in Guardian Jobs
“ With a widely reported skills shortage ... a sustainability revamp can benefit not only talent search but also employee retention. Businesses that can’t communicate their environmental record could potentially suffer.
Lynn Cahillane, Head of Marketing at Totaljobs
Quoted in Training Journal
MULBERRY MARINE EXPERIENCES, Selsey
Plus money and work stays local!”
Anya Frampton, Director
» This can minimise your impact on the environment, help you save money and give added value to your customers.
» Even taking small steps to cut down on waste, save water, upcycle items, or consider re-use before replacement can bring benefits for both the environment and your business.
The UK commercial and industrial sectors generated 43.9 million tonnes of waste in 2018. That’s an increase of 2.1 million tonnes (6.6%) since 2016!
www.gov.uk
«« STATISTIC
Introduced a ‘bring your own cup’ scheme, made all sandwich bags 100% recycled and recyclable, make used coffee grounds available to customers to use in their gardens.
Waves Café introduced a ‘bring your own cup’ scheme and made all sandwich bags 100% recycled and recyclable. They also make used coffee grounds available to customers to use in their gardens.
“We’re passionate about recycling so we’ve taken many steps to reduce how much packing we use and recycle as much as we can. All of these changes help to minimise our impact on the environment and cut down our trade waste. They’re also really popular with our customers, so it’s a win-win situation.”
Adrian, OwnerIf you have older taps or toilets in your business, there’s still a lot you can do to save water:
» Tap aerators reduce the flow of water by up to 50% with a tap aerator which injects air into the water. They are really easy to use and simply screw onto the end of your tap’s spout.
» A water-saving hippo installed in your toilet cistern can save up to three litres of water per flush.
Source: Business Stream
