Greening Business: Case studies in investment and resource efficiency

Many thanks to those who came out and participated in the Greening Business: Case studies in investment and resource efficiency event at the Eco Technology Show 2013 at the Brighton Centre.  We were really pleased to participate this year by running a Partner Workshop on the Friday, hosted by myself, Bryan Van Namen from Lightfoot LED and Danni Craker from Craker Business Solutions. 

Thanks to the organizers for providing a space for us in their packed schedule and especially to our panellists: Sandra Norval, Environment Manager for Southern Railway Ltd; Rui Gomes, General Manager, X-Leisure and Rowan Wallis from Sustainable Business Network for participating.  Their knowledge and passion for the topic provided for a lively conversation while their practical experience helped to answer some of the outstanding questions regarding the solutions and rationale to achieve success when Greening their businesses. 

Everyone was in agreement that the business case is stacked in favour of greening business.  Sustainable solutions do save money for your business at the least  and provide other intangibles as well as other revenue or returns on investment.  As General Manager of Brighton Marina in the aftermath of the financial crisis, Rui was keen to explore ways to  lower utility expenses associated with common utilities for commercial tenants.  Similarly, a multi-storey car park provided a challenging case for energy spending that was alleviated with the installation of sensors and energy efficient lighting.  Rui believes these initiatives not only helped keep costs down but signalled to clients that they making positive efforts to aid in  tenant retention.  

In discussing how organisations can benchmark and communicate their initiative in practicing sustainability, standards including ISO & STEM were identified as areas of best practices.    However, as Sandra rightly points out, “Businesses must remember that 14001 is a tool, not the result. Once it is achieved it provides the framework which enables identification of clear pathways to driving change through everything they do, from the shop floor to the boardroom. That’s when the benefits become clear in terms of cost, resource and business efficiency and also a more engaged team."

Rowan, whose work with the Sustainable Business Partnership helps organisations take the first steps in identifying the “how to’s” of resource efficiency, reminded us of other intangible benefits that smart businesses taking sustainable measures should remember to communicate.  “Small businesses often implement a lot of great initiatives and are resource efficient in their business nature, but aren’t so good about telling people about it and therefore can miss out on recognition, new business or positive marketing opportunities.”

What sustainability means in your work environment and budget is a big topic.  Our panel of sustainability practitioners provided perspective based on their experience and left us thinking about what we can do next.   As we look ahead to organizing future events with similarly topical discussion we’d like to leave you with a message from Rui that sums up the day and what we’re trying to achieve well, “The Green Chamber event was a fantastic opportunity for Brighton Marina and others to share best practice with fellow businesses, help to dispel some of the myths surrounding sustainability and demonstrate as to how it is possible for businesses to navigate a sustainable course, and see a difference to the bottom line and their profits margins from smartly implemented carbon reduction initiatives. Don’t let anyone tell you it is difficult, it’s so doable..”

Thanks again to our speakers and the Eco Technology Show. 

Blog by: Bryan Van Namen from Lightfoot LED

 

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