Going Green - Greening Your Business

Going green can be an exciting and cost effective challenge for businesses, large or small. The benefits of managing environmental resources such as water, waste and energy can result in equally beneficial impacts on your bottom line, transport, supply chains, legal obligations and even your reputation, marketing and branding.

In addition to improving your own business, you would also be contributing to Plymouth’s low carbon economy by helping to reduce your carbon footprint and helping the UK meet its targets for tackling climate change. Supported by the Government, the emphasis on greening the economy is going to grow over the next twenty years which could bring new investment, jobs and opportunities to the city, and ultimately benefit your business.

Useful guidebook - The Government emphasis on greening the economy is summed up in the Guide for Small Businesses [PDF, 288KB]

Calculating your carbon footprint

Considered one of the biggest challenges to business, calculating your company’s carbon footprint could be much easier than you think.

We work closely with the Carbon Trust to deliver our own Carbon Management Plan and have access to accredited toolkits for carbon footprinting and the expertise you will need to create your own. It’s much easier than you think.

Based on use of energy and fuels, these footprints can even include the impact of water use and themes such as waste or business travel.

If you are already involved in the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme you will be well on your way to translating your carbon footprint into allowances. This scheme has introduced a financial value to carbon footprinting which is expected to be £16 per tonne. For more information, including advice on the Carbon Reduction Commitment, please visit the Environment Agency

However, if you haven’t, it is worth keeping an eye on the headlines as there are plans to introduce mandatory carbon accounting from 2012. Supported by the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government is currently deciding how this scheme will be rolled out. We will find out for sure on 6 April 2012 and will be running a seminar through the 186 Low Carbon Network to catch up on the proposals soon after.

So, be ahead of the bunch and take advantage of one of our FREE introductory lunch and learn events on Basic Carbon Accounting. (email sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk for details and bookings).

How can we help you?

If you are just starting out help is available from the Council’s Sustainable Development Unit (email sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk or telephone 01752 304220).

Broad areas of help include-

• Embedding sustainable thinking in your business or organisation.
• Promoting cost effective environmental management.
• Leading on carbon accounting, local carbon budgets and carbon management planning.
• What businesses can do to limit the impact of climate change
• How businesses can contribute to for citywide sustainable development
• Managing knowledge transfer and awareness events with our many partners.
• Signposting new developments in local, national and international policies.
• Networking links with others working on planning, energy efficiency, renewables, procurement, performance management and transport.

Why not check out The 186 Low Carbon Network – see details below – join the Network and learn from experience how to reduce costs and your carbon footprint.

Training

Environmental Principles & Best Practice
A formally recognised Level 2 Award from the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health, this two day course is an excellent introduction to the basic environmental management. Costs £65 per person (includes course papers, exam fees and tutoring). Group bookings welcome.

Basic Environmental PlansA simply workshop that can be used as a team briefing or staff motivation exercise, this course will help to define the actions you need to take and the time scales needed.

Basic Carbon Accounting
This one day workshop will introduce you to a simple toolkit for your carbon footprint. Supported by the Carbon Trust, it will introduce tonnes of carbon dioxide as a new currency and, in addition to establishing what your footprint might look like, will help in identifying the actions you can take to reduce it. Very useful for anyone new to carbon accounting and particularly helpful for Finance Officers and Company Accountants. These courses will usually cost £35 per person. Group bookings welcome. We can come to you if needed.

Discounts of 25% can be negotiated for 186 Low Carbon Network members.

Cornwall College (Carbon Management Courses)
Four such opportunities can be found at Cornwall College (working with the University of Plymouth).

Forthcoming Events

2011/12 186 Low Carbon Network’s Carbon Masters Programme

7 November 2011
Social networking event. Green Drinks from 6.30pm, The Bar, Jurys Inn, Exeter Street, Plymouth.

21 November 2011
FREE Lunch & Learn Workshop. Basic Carbon Accounting. 12.00 Noon to 2.00pm. The Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall. Bring yourselves and a packed lunch…go away with a footprint and access to a carbon calculator.

1 December
The Carbon Footprint of Tourism in the City – greening this key sector. Of interest to anyone involved in leisure, tourism or hospitality. Find out what the sector’s footprint looks like and let us what more could be done to meet some tough standards.Venue to be agreed.

12 December 2011
FREE Workshop. How Green is Our City? Measuring Sustainability – linked with the national consultation on sustainability and of interest to anyone working on performance management. 2.00pm to 5.00pm, The Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall.

15 December 2011
Green Christmas Drinks social networking celebration. From 6.30pm. The Bar, Jurys Inn, Exeter Street, Plymouth.

16 December 2011
FREE Lunch and Learn Workshop. Basic Carbon Accounting. 12.00 Noon to 2.00pm. The Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall. Bring yourselves and a packed lunch…go away with a footprint and access to a carbon calculator.

26 January 2012
FREE Lunch and Learn Workshop – Basic Carbon Accounting. 12.00 Noon to 2.00pm. The Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall. Bring yourselves and a packed lunch…go away with a footprint and access to a carbon calculator…..the last in this series.

16 February 2012
FREE Carbon Trust Energy Efficient Breakfast. From 07.30 am at the National marine Aquarium. Perfect for smaller businesses and supported by the Carbon Trust’s national team.

6 April 2012
Government announcement on mandatory carbon accounting – how will it impact on your business ?

9 April 2012
Time and venue to be confirmed but find out at the Carbon Accounting Update – a seminar exploring the implications of the announcement made on the 6^th

COMING SOON – Dates, times and venues to be confirmed.

Climate Wealth Conference - what can we do to make a low carbon economy work for us ?

Climate Week 2012 - 12 to the 18 March - local and national events to be announced.

May 2012 onwards - further carbon accounting training available.

5 June 2012 - World Environment Day event under development.

8 June 2012 - World Oceans Day event under development.

To book any of the events below please email sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk or telephone 01752 304220 with details of delegate names, contact details and the event you wish to attend.

Plymouth’s 186 Low Carbon Network

Launched in June 2009, this local network of carbon friendly businesses is recognised as one of the only networks of its type in the UK. With over 200 members from across the city, the network promotes the sharing of best practice to help businesses save money through implementing energy saving measures. Other activities include workshops, briefings and updates, the chance to put your views forward on the city’s plans for a low carbon economy and access to training opportunities, conferences and events. Relevant changes to EU and national legislation/policy which affect businesses are also circulated to members in advance.

Join businesses that are already working on reducing their carbon footprint and benefitting from improved environmental management by saving money.

Membership is FREE and all you have to do to join is email sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk giving your permission for us to use an appropriate email address to contact you.

Plymouth’s Climate Change Commission

Created in December 2009 and brings together the city’s business leaders, decision makers, scientists and academics. Making good use of Plymouth’s wealth of expertise in this issue, the Commission is an interactive partnership that is already helping to lead on the city’s Local Carbon Framework Action Plan. For more information contact sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk

Useful websites

National

• The Carbon Trust (for opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint)
• The CBI’s guide to carbon footprinting and toolkit
• The Energy Savings Trust (for advice on energy efficiency)
• The Department of Energy & Climate Change
• The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

Local

• Climate South West (for advice on tackling extreme weather events)
• Our South West – a general website for the environment of the South West
• SWENVO – all the statistics you’ve ever wanted on the South West’s environment
• South West Water – offers a free water audit service
• Plymouth Chamber of Commerce & Industry (for Plymouth’s Eco Business Group)