Q: I think my business should be taking action to become more sustainable, but I’m worried it could be a distraction and I don’t have any capital to invest. What are my options?

A: With the costs of energy, fuel, water and materials continually rising, and the issues of resource scarcity and security of supply increasingly rearing their heads, it makes perfect sense to make sure that your key environmental resources are used as efficiently as possible. Improving your environmental performance will help you to do what you do, but for less, whilst accessing new markets and enhancing your corporate reputation.

It’s a myth that greening your business is an expensive exercise. More than half (54%) of all the cost savings ENWORKS has achieved in businesses have required no capital investment at all.

Improving your resource efficiency is a simple way to manage environmental risks and reduce your operational costs. The cost savings you make will go straight back onto your bottom line, helping you to boost your productivity and become more competitive, without disrupting your day-to-day activities.

The business case is a no-brainer but where to start? There are lots of quick wins you can benefit from, straight away. The specifics will depend on the characteristics of your business, but start by identifying your key resource inputs. Every business uses energy, water and materials, and everyone can save money by using them more efficiently.

Energy - By adjusting your timers so that heating, lighting and other equipment only operates during business hours you could reduce your annual energy spend by up to 15%.*

Water - Carry out regular maintenance checks on your taps, pipes and valves. Leaks and the build-up of deposits can cause blockages and leaks, and a single leak could easily be costing you over £18 a year.*

Materials - Negotiate with your suppliers about getting rid of unnecessary packaging for transporting products. This will save them money and reduce your waste collection and disposal costs overnight.

The proof’s in the pudding. ENWORKS has already helped more than 6,000 businesses with in-depth resource efficiency support and saved them £112 million, along with 532,200 tonnes of CO2e.

Of course, if you reinvest the savings you make through these simple, cost-free improvements then you can also take your efficiency drive to a new level. In our experience, where capital has been required to make resource efficiency improvements, 65% have paid back within two years, and we can often help you apply for external loans and grants to cover the upfront costs.

More information about ENWORKS' resource efficiency support can be found on their Hub partner page.

*source: Sodexo