Business and Carbon Mini Assembly
Colchester2020 has challenged the Borough to cut its carbon emissions by 30% by the year 2020.
More than 160 local business people attended Colchester2020’s Power Breakfast to find out more about how they can contribute to this goal and reduce their carbon footprints.
The event, hosted by Colchester2020, took place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. More information about the event can be viewed here.
To view the presentation given by Chris Tuppen, BT’s Chief Sustainability Officer, at the event click on the following link:
To have a look at what local businesses are doing to cut their carbon footprints click on the following link:
Why not raise awareness of carbon reduction in your business by encouraging your staff to take the Carbon Challenge Quiz? Just click on the following links for the questions and answers:
>> Carbon Challenge Quiz
>> Carbon Challenge Answers
There are lots of things businesses can do to help achieve the Carbon Challenge goal. Many of these actions don’t need a lot of investment and could actually help to save your business money in the long run. Why not start with the ten easy actions set out below?
- Switch to energy saving light bulbs
- Put a paper recycling bin in your office, and especially next to the photocopier
- Separate out other materials such as glass, cans, and plastics for recycling
- Work with your suppliers to ensure that deliveries are packaged using recyclable, returnable or re-usable materials
- Consider buying in bulk to reduce packaging and costs
- Sign up to become a member of the Colchester2020 Travel Plan Club – visit www.colchester2020.com/travelplanclub.asp
- Ensure that lights and computers are switched off at the end of the day
- Involve your staff. They are your eyes and ears around the business and can identify areas where inefficiency may be occurring. Provide a suggestions box for staff to suggest ways to be more energy efficient
- Contact the Carbon Trust for information on energy efficiency
- Don’t throw away old fixtures and fittings - some charities take furniture and can re-use or recycle it
The following list of websites also offer lots of useful information:
- www.carbontrust.co.uk (reducing carbon dioxide emissions for businesses)
- www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (energy saving advice)
- www.envirowise.gov.uk (environmental advice for businesses)
- www.en-form.supanet.com (Colchester environmental information centre)
- www.colchester.gov.uk/climatechange
- www.businesslink.gov.uk (environmental advice for businesses)
- www.essexrec.co.uk (helps businesses to reduce costs through waste minimisation & efficiency)
- www.eastex.org.uk (materials exchange)
- www.defra.gov.uk (information on environmental issues)
- www.berr.gov.uk (Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform)
- www.recycleatwork.org.uk (information on recycling)
- www.colchester2020traveltogether.com (information on sustainable transport)
Business and Carbon