Developing an Environmental Action Plan:
Reducing wastage in energy, water and
landfill waste to improve your bottom-line
Briefing tool guide for small to medium-sized businesses . . .
January 2012
Scarborough Borough Council in association with the
North Yorkshire Coast Community Partnership
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Executive Summary
Top tip: Leaving a PC monitor on all night wastes enough energy to microwave six dinners
(www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy)
This document is a step-by-step tool guide that takes your business through the key steps of
developing and delivering on an Environmental Action Plan. To be greener you need to use
resources more efficiently and that naturally also leads to cost savings.
Resource efficiency is about cutting out wastage in energy usage, water and waste going to
landfill, which in turn reduces costs and negative impacts on the environment. The Carbon Trust
highlights that the majority of organisations can actually save up to 20% on their fuel bills simply by
managing their energy use and investing in more energy efficient products. For example: ensuring
non essential machinery is turned off overnight and at weekends; turning the heating down;
improving the insulation of the building; and investing in more energy efficiency products and upgrading PCs and refrigerators.
A successful Environmental Action Plan must combine an effective strategy with the right practical
interventions. It begins with the key decision makers, and then involves every employee on a dayto-day basis.
The key message is that being greener through resource efficiency makes perfect business sense:
saves money; enhances corporate reputation; and helps tackle climate change.
This document introduces 4 practical steps to improve the environmental credentials of your
business whilst saving yourselves money in the process:
•
Step 1: Recognise the benefits and get the commitment. Once the benefits have been
recognised you need to get commitment throughout the organisation. Everyone will have a
role in and will have to take some responsibility for implementing the Environmental Action
Plan, so it’s essential that everyone recognises the benefits and is committed to making it work.
•
Step 2: Know your energy, water, and waste to landfill wastage. If you don't know how
much energy you're using and how much waste you're producing then you won't be able to
manage it. Collect information, for example, by reading your electricity, gas, and water meters
on a weekly basis, carrying out an energy audit and finding out how much waste your company
sends to landfill.
•
Step 3: Develop and deliver on your Environmental Action Plan. Use the template
provided to adapt and write your own Environmental Action Plan. Learn about setting out
actions in your action plan to achieve your priorities, targets and objectives.
•
Step 4: Monitoring performance and reporting. Make regular assessments, for example,
take accurate readings of energy usage as part of your weekly work so that you can see just
how much money and energy you are saving through delivering your action plan; and then
report on this success to colleagues to show that by ‘doing their bit’ they are appreciated and
are making a difference.
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Contents Page
Contents
Page No
Executive Summary
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Contents Page
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Step 1: Recognise the benefits of resource efficiency;
get organisational commitment and understand roles and responsibilities
3
Step 2: Know your wastage: Collect existing information on your resource use
- energy, water, and waste going to landfill
6
Step 3: Produce your Environmental Action Plan
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Step 4: Monitor performance and report on progress
12
Appendices
Appendix 1- Developing the business case for resource efficiency measures
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Appendix 2 - Inventory survey and energy use assessment Tables
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Appendix 3 - Template for your Action Plan of actions
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Appendix 4 - Further information and useful contacts guide
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Boxes, Tables and Case Studies
Box 1: Step 1 - Get commitment and take forward responsibility
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Box 2a: Step 2a - Measure your energy & water consumption
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Box 2b: Step 2b – Undertake a wider survey of energy, water usage and waste going to
landfill
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Box 3a: Step 3a - Develop and deliver on your Environmental Action Plan
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Box 3b: Step 3b - Develop and deliver on your Environmental Action Plan (continued...)
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Box 4: Step 4 - Monitor performance and report on progress
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Table 1. Example spreadsheet of energy consumption
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Table 2. Example spreadsheet of water consumption
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Table 3. Example of a waste audit
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Case study A: Scarborough Crown Spa Hotel
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Case study B: Duraweld Ltd
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Case study C: Scarborough Borough Council
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Acknowledgements: Many thanks go to the Crown Spa Hotel and Duraweld Ltd who have allowed us to
use them as case studies in this document.
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Step 1: Recognise the benefits of resource efficiency; get organisational
commitment and understand roles and responsibilities
Top tip: Air conditioning an office for 1 extra hour a day uses enough energy in a month to power a TV
for over a year. Turn it off over night and you will make all the difference (www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy)
Top tip: Screen savers do not save energy (or money), turn monitors off!
If you already know the benefits of resource efficiency and have a dedicated member of staff or
team in place to deliver on actions – great! – move on to Step Two.
The benefits of resource efficiency
Many businesses would like to make environmental improvements and to be more resource
efficient, but to have the most impact and success, they need to prioritise this and make it an
integral part of company management. For example, to secure high-level commitment, senior
management will want a clear understanding of the benefits that an Environmental Action Plan will
deliver. Benefits include:
•
Green credentials can improve competitive advantage. Many consumers will choose to
support socially responsible businesses, so companies that demonstrate ‘green’ credentials, or
have achieved recognised standards are arguably in a stronger position in the market. Some
customers may prefer suppliers that operate an Environmental Management System (EMS) or
are working towards one.
•
Investor’s requirements. As well as return on investment, investors want to see businesses
managing environmental impact to minimise risk in the future.
•
Improving staff conditions. Staff appreciate comfortable working conditions, and a positive,
proactive approach from management.
•
Environmental responsibility. The community may have concerns about how the business
or organisation affects the environment.
•
Tax advantages through the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme by using
energy saving technologies.
•
Reduce financial costs (and carbon emissions costs if involved in a trading scheme).
This is because you are cutting out wastage in energy usage, water and waste going to landfill.
•
Compliance. Due to environmental regulations.
Top tip: A chiller door left open for 30 minutes a day wastes enough energy in a year to power a light
house for nearly 4 days. Close it and you will make all the difference (www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy)
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Box 1: Step 1 - Get commitment and take forward responsibility
•
Identify benefits. Prepare a short summary of the benefits of resource efficiency to make the business
case, for example, as highlighted under the heading on the last page. In some instances you will need to
highlight the business case for energy efficiency measures (see Appendix 1), for example, investment in
motion sensors in corridors. The case study examples throughout this document can also help you in
identifying the benefits and the business case.
•
Business commitment. You need to get commitment at the top and bottom of your organisation to develop
and deliver on the action plan through recognition of the benefits and a clear understanding of roles and
responsibilities. Identify someone at the highest level of your organisation to have responsibility such as an
energy champion in the board room (subject to the size of your organisation).
•
Co-operation. Everyone in the organisation must understand the importance of the Action Plan and be
trained in the actions that they, personally, can take. It may also be appropriate to highlight the actions that
management will be taking to demonstrate all-round commitment. To achieve full participation, everyone in
the organisation must understand:
- Why action is being taken.
- What is being done, for example, the actions to be delivered and the targets set.
- The time period that the plan covers.
- How they can be involved. This might involve training and education in simple energy management,
including practical habits that individuals can adopt.
Subject to the size of your business you might want to set-up a resource efficiency steering group to ensure
the Action Plan is successfully delivered. This might involve the facilities/operations manager, finance
manager, marketing manager, and other colleagues interested in environmental issues and who can provide
knowledge, skills and enthusiasm in support of taking the Action Plan forward.
•
Resources. Recognise that resources will need to be routinely committed to the Action Plan in support of
delivering on it and there needs to be a commitment by the organisation to undertake comprehensive
performance measurement against targets with effective management reporting - all of which can help to
reduce costs in the longer term.
Top tip: ‘One person's landfill waste is another’s raw materials (resource)'. Change your outlook - save
yourself money by trying to see everything as a precious resource, for example, metals, products, energy, fuel,
water, and food; and consider the best way to make full use of it:
"My old mobile phone contains gold, platinum, palladium and copper: all resources that we have too little of in
Europe. A tonne of these handsets would contain about 280 grams of gold, 140 grams of platinum and
palladium and 140 pounds of copper. This is not waste that we should bury or burn; it is a resource that we
should respect…” (EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnikhas, media release January 2011).
Top tip: Recycling eases the demand on natural resources (e.g. energy, and trees in the case of paper).
Recycling saves energy as processing recycled materials is more energy efficient.
Further information:
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
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www.Bitc.org.uk (Business In The Community. A business led charity with advice, case studies on
resource efficiency and being greener at work).
www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource
efficiency information for all).
www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make
money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants and funding support).
www.eca.gov.uk/ (Enhanced Capital Allowances) (ECAs). Further information and a list of eligible
technologies.
www.netregs.gov.uk/ (businesses information and guidance about legislation/regulations).
www.scarboroughbusiness.org/ecoblog/ (The Scarborough Business Association website hosts an eco
blog for businesses to exchange ideas on efficiency measures and the green agenda in general).
www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support,
grants and funding).
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips,
information and support on being greener whilst saving your business money in the process).
www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
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Case Study A: Crown Spa Hotel
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Source: www.crownspahotel.com; www.co2sense.org.uk
Step 2. Know your wastage: Collect existing information on your resource use - energy,
water and waste going to landfill
Top tip: Energy metering and monitoring can save 5–10% of a site’s energy use in that you can usually
make simple adjustments to reduce wastage and make financial savings quite quickly. Furthermore, the
majority of organisations can save up to 20% on their fuel bills simply by managing their energy use and
investing in cost-effective measures (www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy).
Before making any changes or improvements start to measure your energy and water use. If you
do already – great! – move on to Step Three.
For Step Two you should get to grips with how much energy and water you are actually using.
Undertake a review of water and energy use so that you can see just how much energy, water and
money you really are saving by adopting your measures (starting right now!):
1) Check your bills
2) Take meter readings first thing on Monday and last thing on Friday
3) Look out for unusual spikes in water
4) Compare by month
5) Quantify usage into cost
Reasons for taking accurate utility bill readings:
•
Inaccuracy of estimated energy usage and water readings. Bills based on estimated
readings mean you could end up paying for much more gas, electricity or water than you
actually use. Reading your meter regularly and informing your utility supplier also enables you
to keep track of what you're using.
•
Identifying energy and water wastage. Monitoring of existing energy usage can help to
establish existing patterns, and identify where more energy is being used than people realise.
For example, external lights being left on all day or machinery not being switched off, cold
weather, extended working hours or increased production. Similarly, monitoring water usage
can quickly identify leaks or changes in use.
•
Assessing progress. Taking regular meter readings will show where your organisation is now
and will allow you to see the benefits of any future measures or adjustments you make.
Information will help highlight the best energy saving opportunities, which can then be used to
set clear, measurable targets for your action plan and revisions to this.
•
Reporting on progress. The reporting of the energy data might be shown against annual
turnover to illustrate cost savings, or compared monthly in kWh and financial terms to help
maintain interest in the campaign. For water, this might be litres consumed as well as money
saved.
•
Benchmarking. Subject to the size of your organisation it will be useful for you to compare
your own energy and water usage with that of others (where benchmarks are available). For
example, Business in the Community (BITC) runs an ‘Environmental Index’ for businesses in
Yorkshire and the Humber www.bitc.org.uk
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Box 2a: Step 2a - Measure your energy and water consumption
So that you can see just how much energy, water and money you really are saving:
•
Choose what you are measuring: The consumption of each different energy type (for example,
gas, electricity, oil, renewables) must be recorded, so the overall energy usage can be accurately
measured and then managed. In larger organisations you might choose to measure the performance
of different buildings and target them separately.
•
Record accurate energy and water usage. Collect the data by taking and recording meter
readings on a weekly basis. Feed this information into a spreadsheet. Table 1 provides an example
of a spreadsheet that you can use to record your energy usage. Table 2 shows you can also record
water usage in a similar format. Download complete spreadsheets: Click on the ‘Actions for
Businesses’ heading (under the Greener Businesses theme) at:
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability to download the spreadsheets that you can use to record
both your energy and water usage.
Table 1. Example spreadsheet of energy consumption
Week
Electricity Gas
Fuel oil
beginning
KWh £
KWh
£
KWh
£
1st Jan
8th Jan
15th Jan
22nd Jan
29th Jan
5th Feb
12th Feb
19th Feb
Total
Other
KWh
Total
£
Table 2. Example spreadsheet of water consumption
Week
Water usage
Other (e.g. if monitoring
beginning
water usage in a
number of buildings)
Cubic meters
/litres
£
Cubic
meters/litres
£
KWh
£
Total
Cubic
meters/ litres
£
1st Jan
8th Jan
15th Jan
22nd Jan
29th Jan
5th Feb
12th Feb
19th Feb
Top tip: A systematic approach to reducing water can save you £20-50 in water utility costs (Carbon
Trust).
Top tip: Smart meters are a relatively new technology but can provide you with accurate real time energy
usage information – ask your supplier about the services they provide. Check out your local library as
some loan out household smart meters for free which you may be able to use for your business.
You should also carry out a wider survey of energy use and waste going to landfill: undertake a
physical site inspection to identify energy saving opportunities, things to fix and to identify wastage.
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Box 2b: Step 2b - Undertake a wider survey of energy, water usage and waste going to landfill
Undertake a wider energy survey
So that you can quickly assess those energy efficiency actions that have been undertaken, those that can
easily be implemented or those that will require some more thought you should now undertake a wider energy
survey. See Appendix 2 for an inventory template you can use; and Appendix 3 for ideas on energy efficiency
actions you can consider.
Record your findings, dividing recommendations into three main categories: no-cost measures (good
housekeeping); low-cost measures; and measures that require capital investment (or specialist advice).
Essentially the energy survey/audit will address:
•
•
•
•
The measures that have already been taken to reduce energy usage and improve energy efficiency.
Energy saving opportunities.
Estimation of likely implementation costs, savings and paybacks.
A report for the business based on actions it can take (this information can feed into your Action Plan of
actions (Step 3 below).
Energy surveys can be conducted on entire sites or individual areas of the business such as specific buildings
or particular items of equipment. If an overall picture is required, one option is to carry out an initial overall
survey, and then focus on key target areas. If you have a larger organisation you may wish to hire in a
consultant who is likely to have a considerable depth of technical expertise.
Carrying out a waste audit
• Find out where and how waste is generated
• Find the quantity and type of waste (the Environment Agency have a list of codes for types of waste subject to the size of your business you may wish to look into this further).
• Find any waste that is hazardous - can it be separated from the main waste stream, or replaced with a
non-hazardous product?
• Find the current disposal cost (this may shock you)
• Look at opportunities to reduce, reuse or recycle the waste
• Establish methods of measuring the waste for monitoring purposes
• Set targets for reducing waste
Top tip: The steps for improving your efficiencies in waste are to: first look at reducing waste; second, reusing
waste (recognising this to be a resource); and third, to recycle.
Table 3. Example of a waste audit
Source: Business Waste Handbook (Leeds City
Council - www.leeds.gov.uk)
Top tip: Disposing of rubbish costs your
business money and wastes natural
resources. It is estimated that waste typically
costs companies around 4% of their annual
turnover. It is likely that these costs will
increase over the coming years as landfill tax
is set to rise. Businesses have a legal
responsibility regarding their waste. (Source:
Envirowise).
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters
for larger business but useful resource efficiency
information for all).
• www.ccwater.org.uk/ The Consumer Council for Water
represents domestic and business water consumers &
provides top tips for water reduction.
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs,
improve on their resource efficiency, make money from
renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants and
funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and
Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy
reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice
on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop
centre for greener business advice, support, and funding).
• www.whywaste.org.uk A free online waste exchange
service for business in Yorkshire and Humber. Businesses
post details of waste materials that can be used by other
businesses as a raw material/resource, or request a
material they can use in their business.
• www.wrap.org.uk/ Waste & Resources Action Programme
provides information and a helpline for enquiries relating
to resource efficiency including water.
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Case Study B: Duraweld Ltd (Scarborough): Carbon Reduction Award Winner 2011
Duraweld are the UK’s leading manufacturer of innovative customised plastic
stationery products to clients across the UK and overseas. They are one
of the highest new entrants in the 2011 Yorkshire and Humber
Environment Index, achieving a silver performance band classification.
Listed 28th amongst The Times Top 60 Best Green Companies 2011
(up from 39th in 2010), they are committed to providing “seriously green
solutions”. Duraweld is a SME employing 68 permanent staff with an
annual turnover of over £3 million. In 2008, Duraweld achieved formal
ISO 14001 classification for their Environmental Management System.
With a longstanding environmental ethos, they understand that strong
corporate culture and leadership on environmental issues can mean a
direct positive effect on the financial bottom line of the business and help to reach out to new customers.
Energy and Emissions. Duraweld have successfully reduced their CO2 emissions for three consecutive years,
despite continual expansion. An ambitious target has been set to achieve a further 10% reduction in energy
consumption by 2012. Duraweld acknowledge that no matter how efficient they are in energy, travel or waste
management, there will always be a carbon footprint. To address this, all electricity is supplied on a green tariff,
and they have been offsetting all excess emissions since 2006 to become carbon neutral.
Reducing the Impact of Products and Services. Customers of Duraweld are offered end of life recycling for
their binders. Customers send the products back at the end of life, Duraweld strip and reuse components where
possible, and send the remainder for recycling. 50% recycled vinyl has been offered for over 10 years and all
frosty clear and white polypropylene is 100% recycled. In 2010, Duraweld’s travel card holder, made from 100%
recycled polypropylene, won an industry award for excellence.
Employee Engagement. All staff at Duraweld are involved in achieving environmental targets. Information is
circulated of environmental efforts through a ‘Green Noticeboard’, quarterly newsletters, information posters and
e-communication. A ‘Green Solutions Box’ is provided for employees to submit ideas for environmental
innovations, areas to increase efficiencies and reduce environmental impact.
Environmental Commitment. Objectives and targets are detailed in Duraweld’s annually reviewed ‘Twenty
Steps’ Action Plan:
1. Attend relevant courses to increase our awareness of environmental issues.
2. Goods produced: increase the number of “Green Product” options to our customers and ensure awareness of
availability.
3. Usage of office paper: 10% reduction in paper purchased by 2012.
4. Continue to source renewable energy options.
5. Vehicles: when purchasing new vehicles, look at those with reduced CO2 emissions. Use biodiesel where
appropriate, and available, to reduce fossil fuel CO2 emissions.
6. Encourage car share/cycling to work by employees and use of public transport to meetings/seminars etc.
7. Measurement of Environmental Performance: continue to review collated data to identify improvement.
8. Promote sustainable waste management and continue to reduce what we send to landfill.
9. Improve what and how we recycle our waste.
10. Packaging, Pallets, Transportation: 10% to be saved by 2012.
11. Reduce PVC & PP Waste and Research in-House Recycling Methods.
12. Energy Consumption: 10% decrease by 2012.
13. 5% reduction in water consumption by 2012.
14. Use of email wherever possible to communicate with clients and suppliers.
15. Use of teleconferencing to reduce unnecessary travel.
16. Procurement: when purchasing equipment/products/services, look at the impact on the environment. In
addition, try to use similar environmentally minded suppliers and sub contractors.
17. Continually look to reduce our CO2 footprint and offset remaining.
18. Improve stakeholder awareness in our environmental measures, encourage employees to reduce their
carbon footprint and undertake CSR activities.
19. Continual compliance with national and international environmental regulation.
20. ISO 14001: sustain and improve our Environmental Management System to ensure continual compliancy
with ISO 14001 accreditation achieved in December 2008.
Source: www.duraweld.co.uk; www.bitc.org.uk
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Step 3 - Produce your Environmental Action Plan
Top tip: Quick wins which can help to save your business money by improving resource efficiency: turn off
lights and equipment when not in use (and invest in switch off timers?); use energy efficient light bulbs and
replace standard fluorescent tubes with slimline tubes; turn your thermostat down by 1 degree Celsius; install
draught-proofing around windows and doors to reduce heating costs; install cavity wall and loft insulation; fix
dripping taps; explore the feasibility of refrigeration and PC up-grades.
If you have already developed and are delivering on your Environmental Action plan – great! –
move on to Step Four.
By now you should have a clearer understanding of your energy and water usage and the amount
of and types of waste going to landfill. The next step is to develop your Environmental Action Plan
which is your framework for action on improving your resource efficiency.
Box 3a – Step 3a: Develop and deliver on your Environmental Action Plan
Your Environmental Action Plan (template to be adapted by you as appropriate)
1 Introduction. Introduce the purpose of your Action Plan. Provide a short explanation on the importance of
resource efficiency and how this can save your business money (the benefits) (see Step 1).
2 Vision Statement, Priorities, and Objectives. Start with your organisation-wide policy statement or vision, for
example: ‘we aim to reduce the overall energy consumption in our buildings by at least 20% over a three year
period and to improve on the wider environmental credentials of our business’.
You need to think about and write down the priorities to address, perhaps for the next three years, based on the
inventory you have undertaken (see Step 2 above) and based on the resource efficiency themes of energy, water
and waste. Examples of priorities include:
•
•
•
•
Reduce energy usage at source in our buildings and wider operations.
Improve energy efficiency to reduce energy usage and associated costs in our buildings and wider operations.
Reduce water usage in our operations.
Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill in our operations and improve on our re-use and recycling.
Your priorities should be backed up by long, medium and short-term objectives and targets that you have decided
on, which will help to define how you intend to achieve your vision. For example, it is quite likely you will set
targets for energy reduction in areas of excessive consumption (e.g. 10% year 1). Agree the targets with senior
management to ensure they are given a high priority and receive sufficient funding and staff resource.
3 Baseline data: Where is your business now on its environmental performance? Include the information
you have collected from your baseline inventory and survey (Step 2a and 2b and Appendix 2) in this document. if
not available just use how many months you have accurately recorded.
Annual energy baseline data for your organisation (Month 20xx/20xx)
Energy Source
KWH
CO2 Tonnes
Gas
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Electric
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Total energy usage
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Box 3b:
Example
ofbaseline
a template
an organisation
Environmental
Business
Action Plan (continued. . .)
Annual
Water
usage
forfor
your
(Month
20xx/20xx)
Energy Source
Litres/cubic metres
Water
XXXXXX
Total energy usage
XXXXXX
You can also bullet point any measures you have previously undertaken, for example, a switch to energy efficient
light bulbs or turning down the thermostat by 1 degree Celsius, training of staff etc.
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Box 3b: Step 3b - Develop and deliver on Your Environmental Action Plan (continued . . . )
4. The actions your organisation will take. Set-out the range of actions that your business will deliver to
achieve your objectives, priorities and vision statement. An example of a table of actions can be found in
Appendix 3. To be effective, your table of actions should:
Be agreed and approved by the appropriate level of line management. Involve the senior manager who is
ultimately accountable for energy management performance and related environmental initiatives.
• Relate actions to individual objectives and targets, which should come in turn from specific policy
commitments, for example, any environmental policies you have.
• The actions should be of various timescales (short, medium and long term), and highlight the appropriate
resource requirements (from no cost to those requiring high investment). Outline actions that need to be
undertaken in the first three, six and twelve months.
• Assign actions to individuals for responsibility, with clear deadlines for reporting progress and completing the
task.
• Provide a clear priority of actions, and in what order they will be taken. Give particular attention to activities
scheduled for the first few weeks of the initiative.
Wherever possible:
• Project the costs and savings of initiatives as accurately as possible and give consideration of possible ways
to finance the investment.
• Ensure the action plan includes both quick wins and long-term solutions: both are vital for a successful
programme.
When the action plan is complete, take action!
Top tip: Actions to reduce paper usage and printing costs include:
- Resist printing email or making paper file copies.
- Re-use the reverse side of waste letters to write notes on.
- Store scrap paper in a box, then use for printing drafts, messages, note taking etc.
- Raise awareness with colleagues.
However, if you must print:
- Always check you are sending to the correct printer.
- Print double sided.
- Print more than one page per sheet (e.g. two-up printing per side whilst also printing double sided! - this would cut
paper use by 75% compared to 'normal' one-up, one-sided printing).
- Use the ‘print range’ feature to print only those pages you need.
- Check your work to avoid printing copies that have to be thrown away.
- Make sure that paper is disposed properly into a paper recycling bin.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company which supports larger business but useful information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from
renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy
reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, grants and funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information
and support on being greener whilst saving your business money in the process).
• www.whywaste.org.uk A free online waste exchange service for business in Yorkshire and Humber. Businesses
post details of waste materials that can be used by other businesses as a raw material/resource, or request a
material they can use in their business.
• www.wrap.org.uk/ Waste & Resources Action Programme provides information and a helpline for enquiries
relating to resource efficiency including water.
11
Step 4 - Monitor performance and report on progress
If you are already monitoring performance and reporting on progress with your action plan – great!
don’t forget to check out Appendix 3 and 4 for further support and advice on the actions you can
undertake, workshops and training up-dates; and funding and grant opportunities to further help
you deliver on your action plan whilst making your business greener and improving your bottomline.
Box 4: Step 4 - Monitor performance and report on progress
Monitor performance
• Make regular monitoring part of your weekly work. For example, undertake energy and water readings
on a weekly basis to determine if the measures you have put into place are reducing energy and water
usage and therefore saving your organisation money.
• Ensure assessment structures are agreed and in place, whether this is, for example, an assessor talking
to individuals to check actions have been taken or the use of auditing software programmes. It is important
to agree guidelines for when and how to conduct assessments, and what feedback should be gathered.
Assessments will also generate valuable feedback that can then be used to:
- Reaffirm top-level commitment
- Review and amend policies and objectives
- Revise action plans
- Redefine roles and responsibilities
- Amend reporting arrangements.
Periodically reassess the plan to find new savings and make sure that the campaign is not slipping. Minor
reviews with your steering group could be scheduled at three and six monthly intervals, with a full, yearly
analysis to keep the plan fresh. This is also the ideal time to review whether you need to make a new
business case for a new technology (see Appendix 1 for developing a business case).
Report on progress
• Make an organisational commitment to undertake performance measurement against targets with
effective management reporting. For smaller companies, the reporting on progress might be undertaken by
a facilities/operational manager or person with responsibility for the overall action plan providing a simple
briefing. For larger businesses there might be an established steering board on a bi-monthly basis that
reports are presented to. You might also produce an annual report and make regular assessments part of
your corporate policy.
• Recognise there needs to be extensive communication in delivering the Strategy to colleagues at all
tiers of your organisation. Will the information be publicised on your website or in an internal newsletter?
• The reporting should build greater understanding of the importance of energy efficiency for your
business. Spreading good news is important because it encourages people who have contributed towards
the success to be recognised in doing their bit and lets stakeholders know their interests are being met.
Unless this is actively managed, the impetus behind energy saving activities can evaporate.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource
efficiency information for all. Lots of information on monitoring and reporting).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make
money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants and funding support).
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, grants and
funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips,
information and support on being greener whilst saving your business money in the process).
• www.whywaste.org.uk A free online waste exchange service for business in Yorkshire and Humber.
Businesses post details of waste materials that can be used by other businesses as a raw
material/resource, or request a material they can use in their business.
• www.wrap.org.uk/ Waste & Resources Action Programme provides information and a helpline for enquiries
relating to resource efficiency including water.
12
Top tip: A 2 degrees Celsius increase in office temperature creates enough CO2 in a year to fill a hot air
balloon. Reduce it and you will make all the difference. (www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy)
Case study C: Scarborough Borough Council’s enhanced energy management in
Council buildings
Using the Council’s energy efficiency project fund a range of energy efficiency initiatives within the Council’s own
buildings have been taken forward. Between September 2010 and September 2011 these projects included:
Project
Description
Estimated
Assessment of implementation of CO2 saved to
£ Saved
Annual
projects
date (Tons)
to date
Savings
(October
(Oct
2011)
2011)
Modern Boiler Whitby Leisure Centre.
8%
Implemented in November 2010:
Controls (gas)
Boilers are only fired
Since installation, site has recorded
36.7
£4,648
when there is a genuine
an average consumption saving of
call for heat.
25% each month. These savings
have been compounded by the
installation of pool covers (see
below).
Pool Covers
Whitby Leisure Centre.
10%
See above
See
Implemented in November 2010:
(gas)
A blanket that reduces
(Savings from this project
above
heat loss from the surface
incorporated into the above
of the pools when they are
calculation).
not in use.
Pool Covers
Scarborough Indoor Pool. 10%
Implemented in December 2010:
(gas)
A blanket that reduces
Since installation (DEC) site has
13.8
£2,500
heat loss from the surface
recorded average monthly saving
of the pools when they are
between 6-8%
not in use.
PIR’s in
50% PCs across the
15%
Implemented in September 2010:
Public
Borough. PIRs (Passive
Completed PCs are demonstrating
31.2
£4,640
Conveniences
Infra Red) motion sensors
savings ranging between 40-60%
(PCs)
activate lights in PCs only
(electric)
when in use.
T5 Lighting
Whitby Leisure Centre.
28%
Implemented in January 2011:
Adaptors
Adaptors enable lower
Savings between 34-49% as
5.4
£1,200
(electric)
wattage T5 bulbs retrofit
wattage of all lamps at this site
to T8/T12 lamps.
have been dropped considerably.
T5 Lighting
Scarborough Indoor Pool. 28%
Implemented in January 2011:
Adaptors
Adaptors enable lower
Savings of 22% generated as only
23.2
£2,990
(electric)
wattage T5 bulbs retrofit
able to retro fit 2ft T8’s
to T8/T12 lamps.
Quattro Seal
Whitby Pavilion. Energy
16%
Implemented in February 2011:
Draught
Savers specialise in
Since installation the site is
22.5
£2,784
Proofing (gas)
draught proofing windows
recording average monthly saving
and doors.
of 10%
E-Box Voltage Spa Footbridge Lights. E- 30%
Implemented in April 2011:
Optimisation
Box optimises the
Following a 4 week trial and
0.59
£99
(electric)
incoming voltage and
installation (April 2011) the E-Box
improves power factor
has demonstrated a 37% saving.
correction.
Total
133.39
£18,861
savings:
Accurate energy readings have been undertaken through the use of smart meters or readings of the display as
appropriate to assess energy usage performance. Between September 2010 and September 2011 the projects
highlighted above have amounted to £18, 861 in financial savings and savings of 133.39 tonnes of CO2.
Contact for more information: Jeremy Carter (Energy Manager): [email protected] or
James Bridges (Sustainability Officer): [email protected]
13
Appendix 1 – Developing the business case for resource efficiency
measures
Investing in resource efficiency measures such as energy saving activities and equipment can
directly lower energy costs and have a positive impact on attitudes across the organisation.
Investing in new technology
Although substantial energy savings can be achieved using no cost and low-cost measures, some
will require investment in new or better equipment. Fortunately, most investments in energy saving
equipment are low risk and show a good return on the initial outlay. As with all investments, it is
important to consider how much they will cost in the long term. For example, energy efficient
technology may cost more upfront, but will ultimately save money as the ongoing energy costs will
be lower. When assessed this way, it can be easy to see that the money saved will outweigh a
higher capital cost. It is also possible to estimate how long it will take for the additional outlay costs
to be paid back in savings. When considering which investments to make, it is always worth
calculating how long it will take for the money saved on energy costs to pay back the extra initial
outlay.
Financial assistance
If the money is not available to invest in new technology visit the website
www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ for a one stop centre for greener business advice,
support, and up-dated information on the availability of grants and funding opportunities.
Furthermore, investments in certain energy saving technology also qualify for Enhanced Capital
Allowances (ECAs) (visit www.eca.gov.uk/) Under this scheme, the whole investment made in the
first year can be set against tax.
Life cycle costing with worked example
Source: Energy Management Strategy (CVO22) (Carbon Trust, May 2010, p. 15)
Top tip: Look at the possibility of installing a biomass boiler if you have spare wood chippings in
manufacture, save on disposal costs and heat your building at the same time and earn money for
generating your own energy to heat your building - visit the renewable energy section at
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability for further information.
14
Appendix 2 – Inventory survey and energy use assessment Tables
Top tip: There is a 'Yorkshire and the Humber Microgeneration Partnership' of recognised installers in the
region for the various micro-technologies available. For more information visit their website www.yhmp.org/
or visit www.microgenerationcertification.org/
Source: Practical energy Management: Efficient measures for a successful energy campaign (July 2010) CTV023
(Appendix A of the document)
Top tip: Improve your business reputation by developing and starting to deliver on your action plan and
promote yourself as a greener business with green environmental credentials.
15
Source: Adapted from Practical energy Management: Efficient measures for a successful energy campaign (July 2010)
CTV023 (Appendix B of the document)
16
Appendix 3 –Template for your Action Plan of actions
(Affix [after completing], to your main Environmental Action Plan as highlighted in Step 3 main document).
Policy statement/vision: (for example: ‘we aim to reduce the overall energy consumption in our buildings by at least 20% over a three year period and to improve on the
wider environmental credentials of our business’).
Key objectives: (list here, for example:)
1. Reduce energy usage at source in our buildings and wider operations.
2. Improve energy efficiency to reduce energy usage and associated costs in our buildings and wider operations.
3. Reduce water usage in our operations.
4. Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill in our operations and improve on our reuse and recycling.
Proposed actions (include any related targets to help you achieve your objectives; and the
relevant objective number in brackets next to each action).
Timescales
(short, medium,
long, and month
deadlines)
Responsibility
(for delivering
the actions)
Comments/progress: Action
completed/on-going/yet to be
started/unlikely to be started)
Measure energy usage and undertake your energy survey
- Measure and record energy usage (gas and electric) on a weekly/monthly basis.
- Undertake the energy survey to determine energy efficiency measures in place and list ideas for
those that need to be undertaken (to put into this action plan).
- Spend less by securing the most competitive prices for energy. This does not mean simply
finding the cheapest supplier, but also getting a tariff that matches the organisation’s pattern of
energy use.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process). Click on the ‘Actions for Businesses’ heading (under the Greener Businesses theme) at www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability to download the
spreadsheet that you can use to record your energy (electricity and gas) usage.
• www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
Top tip: Action planning. Doing one thing well is better than doing several things poorly, or not starting at all because it seems too large a task. The ‘quick fixes’ in the
action plan are often a good place to start as they can help motivate staff, before moving on to more complex or costly changes over the longer term.
17
Reduce energy usage at source in our buildings and wider operations
- Training of staff on the benefits of resource efficiency, for example, reducing energy usage for
employees and management, switching lights and appliances off etc.
- Involve colleagues, ask for their ideas on an energy saving programme.
- Establish an energy champion at board level if applicable and in the work force.
- Reduce number of printers in the work place.
- Switch it off. Turn off machinery, lights and other items where possible when not in use, for
example, compressors, computers or printers if they are being left on during quiet times, overnight
or at weekends and display signs reminding people to switch things off.
- Invest in an ‘intelligent multi-plug’ (these cost approximately £10) or standby saver.
- Label lights/appliances so people know which ones switch off what.
- Turn heating down by 1 degree Celsius and save 8% on heating bills.
- Where appropriate supply people with fleeces to keep them warm.
- Turn off heating in unoccupied rooms.
- Don't turn the air con on if it’s too hot (in summer). Open the windows! (if air conditioning has to
be on make sure windows are closed).
- Make sure windows and doors are closed if heating is on.
- Maximise use of natural light. When the sun's out open blinds and use heat and light from the
sun.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process).
• www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
Improve energy efficiency to reduce energy usage and associated costs in your buildings and wider operations
- Look to invest in Passive Infra Red light sensors, for corridors not frequently in use and for
toilets.
- Invest in more energy efficiency products, e.g. up-grade of PCs, refrigerators, have all the light
18
bulbs been changed to energy-saving models, for example, LEDs where appropriate?
(Look for ‘energy saving recommended’ logo for appliances or an equivalent or buy an A rated
one).
- Insulation for building walls and loft area, thermal padding under carpeted areas.
- Where needed fix draught strips around doors and windows. Seal any gaps between the skirting
boards and the floor with a tube of sealant.
- Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) to get room-by-room temperature control (approx £3
each) (Only fit if you don’t have a thermostat on the wall otherwise they cancel each other out).
- Explore funding mechanisms for energy efficiency products, capital tax allowance, and
renewable energy grants (see Appendix 5 for further contact information).
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.eca.gov.uk/ (Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs). Further information and a list of eligible technologies.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process).
• www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
Continuing with energy monitoring and measuring
- Review energy consumption data and progress with initiatives.
- Meet regularly to report and provide a quarterly and yearly report on progress.
- Review inventory and consider further initiatives that you can undertake.
- Consider investing in an Environmental Management System.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
19
•
•
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process). Click on the ‘Actions for Businesses’ heading (under the Greener Businesses theme) at www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability to download the
spreadsheet that you can use to record both your energy (electricity and gas) usage.
www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
Invest in renewable technologies to generate energy from naturally replenishing resources
Renewable technologies include solar photo voltaic panels, solar hot water panels, wind turbines,
ground/air source heat pumps. Develop a business case around the Feed-in tariff (a payment for
generating your own energy). Contact the Energy Saving Trust 0800 512 012 for more
information.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
• www.microgenerationcertification.org/ The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers
in accordance with consistent standards.
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process).
• www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
• www.yhmp.org/ 'Yorkshire and the Humber Microgeneration Partnership' which provides contact information for recognised installers for the various micro-technologies
in the region.
Revise your transport at work arrangements
- Consider greener driver training (The Energy Saving Trust suggests driver training can lead to
15% fuel consumption reduction).
- Maintenance/servicing programme for company cars to ensure lower emissions, higher efficiency
and reduced fuel costs.
- Consider vehicle tracking systems.
- As appropriate develop travel to work plans. Incorporate a cycle to work scheme. Look into
offering employees interest-free loans on bicycles, install a bike rack for staff, give away cycling
route maps and get a bike maintenance expert to come in and give a talk.
Further information:
20
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/ National Geographic have a useful green guide that includes information on greener travelling
www.est.org.uk. The Energy Saving Trust provides advice on all aspects of energy management & more.
www.liftshare.com/uk/ Find out about car sharing in your area.
www.nationalcarshare.co.uk/ Find out about car sharing in your area.
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process).
Reduce, reuse, recycle – seeing waste as a resource
- Reduce waste, prevent over ordering.
- Reuse: furniture, process' waste.
- Look in your business skip, is it really waste or a resource that can be used elsewhere, e.g.
timber.?
Recycle:
- Are you separating recyclables, example, plastic, cardboard/paper and glass. Provide clearly
labelled recycling bins.
- Arrange a joint collection of recyclable materials with other local businesses. A waste contractor
is more likely to make a collection for a greater quantity.
- Buy products with recycled content e.g. 100% recycled content paper.
- Revise paper printing and paper usage (see top tip main document).
- Start a composting bin with employees taking home the compost for their own usage.
- Donate old items, for example, advertise products on the ‘Free cycle’ website.
- Stop junkmail.
- Choose products with minimal packaging.
- Get creative with reuse.
- Use rechargeables.
- Purchase products from recycled materials and from sustainable resources.
- Purchase reusable rather than disposable products.
- Buy durable products that can be repaired rather than replaced.
Further information:
• www.Bitc.org.uk (Business In The Community. A business led charity with advice, case studies on resource efficiency and being greener at work).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
21
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
www.netregs.gov.uk/ (businesses information and guidance about legislation/regulations).
http://www.recycle-more.co.uk/ One-stop recycling information centre and a range of top tips on recycling.
http://www.recyclenow.com/ Find out just what you can recycle and where in your geographical area.
www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/ (One stop centre for greener business advice, support, grants and funding).
www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process).
www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
www.whywaste.org.uk A free online waste exchange service for business in Yorkshire and Humber. Businesses post details of waste materials that can be used by
other businesses as a raw material/resource, or request a material they can use in their business.
www.wrap.org.uk/ Waste & Resources Action Programme provides information and a helpline for enquiries relating to resource efficiency including water.
Reduce water usage
- Can you use cold water rather than heating it in your processes?
- Monitor water consumption and identify leaks, e.g. measure over w/end. Do you have dripping
taps (water wastage 24 hours a day, 7 days per week)?
- Install water saving devises, for example, flush controls in washrooms for toilets and urinals.
- Change from low pressure high volume water to high pressure low volume water hoses.
- Reduce water for cleaning.
- Install a water butt to wash some machinery, for watering plants, etc.
- Raise the profile of water consumption through a programme of awareness.
- Install ‘Turn tap off’’ signs where taps are situated.
Further information:
• www.carbontrust.org.uk (not-for-profit company that caters for larger business but useful resource efficiency information for all).
• www.ccwater.org.uk/ The Consumer Council for Water represents domestic and business water consumers & provides top tips for water reduction.
• www.co2sense.org.uk (helps businesses to cut their costs, improve on their resource efficiency, make money from renewable energy, and grow. Information on grants
and funding support).
• www.direct.gov.uk. Check out the ‘Environment and Greener Living’ web pages for information on energy reduction, carbon footprints and energy grants.
• www.eca.gov.uk/ (Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs). Further information and a list of eligible technologies.
• http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/ (Environwise section of the WRAP website for a range of tools and actions relating to water usage and management).
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability (Scarborough Borough Council’s website provides top tips, information and support on being greener whilst saving your business
money in the process). Click on the ‘Actions for Businesses’ heading (under the Greener Businesses theme) at www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability to download the
spreadsheet that you can use to record both your water usage.
• www.sustainability4yorkshire.org.uk/ (North Yorkshire Green Business Club).
• www.wrap.org.uk/ Waste & Resources Action Programme provides information and a helpline for enquiries relating to resource efficiency including water.
22
The below diagram highlights actions to improve resource efficiency in your home but many of the ideas are also applicable to your work place!
Source: The Energy Saving Trust
23
Appendix 4 – Further information and useful contacts guide
Below is a useful ‘Resource Efficiency Route Map’ produced by CO2Sense that provides contact information to
help you in improving your resource efficiency in specific areas. For a wealth of information dedicated to
businesses for resources efficiency information, including helpful contacts, funding, grants, top tips, training
workshops, case studies, events and advice, also visit:
• www.scarborough.greenerbusiness.org.uk/
• www.scarborough.gov.uk/sustainability
24