Team preaches value of waste to aid bottom line

Jul 15 2009 By Iain Laing, The Journal

A £1.2m investment is backing a drive to improve the profits and productivity of North East firms by cutting waste and using energy more efficiently.

Teesside University has launched the North East Industrial Symbiosis Network, a two-year sustainability scheme to help small and medium-sized firms use environmentally friendly ways to get their finances in shape.

The network aims to help businesses reduce CO2 by more than 250,000 tonnes and prevent 250,000 tonnes of waste going to landfill, making environmental savings as well as improving business profitability.

It pledges to assist 40 businesses each year, with direct research and development support and consultancy generating extra sales and cost savings of more than £300,000. It also says there will also be a 10,000-tonne reduction in the use of treated water.

The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £621,000 ERDF investment through development agency One North East to match the university’s contribution.

Project manager Christine Parry, of Teesside University, said: "The North East Industrial Symbiosis Network will influence and fuel a change in business culture and effect long-term environmental and social benefits, contributing to regional sustainability.

"We need to increase the capacity and will of SMEs and their workforces to improve business performance by recognising that waste is a useful raw material and a resource to be utilised.

"There are numerous opportunities for collaborative networking, sharing resources and access to technical information, research and support for virgin material savings between companies." The North East Industrial Symbiosis Network project will be delivered across the region from its base, the Clean Environment Management Centre (CLEMANCE) at Teesside University.

Its regular workshops will stimulate cross-sector engagement, business to business collaboration and technology transfer. Additional seminars will provide SMEs with up to date guidance on legislation, eco innovation and best practice.

The project will also seek to create two waste and recycling businesses and will offer site visits to waste management and treatment plants or businesses demonstrating eco innovation and best practice. These visits will be a means of encouraging knowledge transfer and stimulating eco innovation in the SME community. ONE head of European and skills strategy Lesley Calder said: "Many businesses are under increasing pressure to measure and reduce their carbon footprints.

"Waste is generally seen by business as a negative issue, with significant costs and legislative pressures associated with it.

"European Union support for this project will improve businesses’ understanding of resource management in all its forms and encourage them to implement strategies to become more efficient and competitive."

For further information about the North East Industrial Symbiosis Network project, call Teesside University on (01642) 342409.

For more information on the wider package of support available to companies, please call Business Link on 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast