Eco savings could be crucial
GREEN cost-cutting measures by Tees Valley companies could be the key to the region surviving the economic downturn.
Business eco-experts Envirowise claim basic green house-keeping such as waste prevention, less use of raw materials and energy recovery is crucial given the current climate.
Last year, the Tees Valley produced a third of the North-east’s hazardous waste.
According to research carried out UK-wide by Envirowise, more than 85% of companies believe better green practice would make their business more profitable. The findings follow a warning by the British Chamber of Commerce this week that firms will face ‘a difficult and risky climate’ in the next six to nine months with recession looming.
The research highlights a growing recognition among Teesside companies that waste minimisation and resource efficiency have become business imperatives if they are to reduce costs and keep up their green credentials.
Envirowise regional manager for the North-east, Guy Bashford, said: “The environment is no longer a fluffy issue for business, it comes down to costs. A huge amount of money can be saved through resource efficiency.
“The figure for industrial waste is high on the Tees Valley because of its chemical processing works, we are also focusing on the construction and manufacturing sectors but any business can save money by being more green.
“There are a number of low or no-cost methods for reducing the amount of waste you are producing and this applies to all resources, including energy, solids and water waste.
“It can be as simple as turning taps off - a dripping tap can cost a business around £750 over a year.
“The cost of landfill tax is due to rise over the next few years, which will also have a big impact, and with water rates due to increase it’s never been a better time to look at ways to save.”
The Envirowise survey is the latest research to underline a change of attitude towards environmental practices. MORI research in 2005 found three out of five businesses (60%) had an environmental policy compared to 11% in 2003.
Growing legislation is another driver, with directors being held personally liable for the environmental conduct of their companies. In the past 10 years, UK courts have handed out £3million in fines as well as almost eight years behind bars and more than 170 days of community service to company directors for non compliance to legislation.
