EHJ September 2002, pages 278 In the first of four related articles, Robert Halford explains what the Envirowise programme has to offer local authorities keen to help businesses improve environmental performance.

The government-funded Envirowise programme (formerly the environmental technology best practice programme), is helping UK businesses to save over £180m every year. By offering free practical help and advice on how to improve environmental performance, businesses are becoming more competitive and are converting turnover into profit. Although Envirowise concentrates primarily on the core themes of waste minimisation and cost-effective cleaner technology, the programme also focuses on a number of specific industrial sectors and pollutants. The Envirowise programme provides the following help: practical advice and case study examples; an environment and energy telephone helpline with up to two hours of advice with each call; visits for small to medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) or companies with fewer than 250 employees; a half-day counselling visit; a whole day fast-track visit; and regular events, including best practice seminars and practical workshops offering a forum to find out about waste minimisation issues, and to discuss opportunities and methodologies.

The Envirowise programme has a range of tools to assist local authorities that are trying to engage local businesses to participate in environmental improvement either through enforcement or local partnerships. It offers a free resource for EHOs and local authority officers, whether they are dealing with environmental protection and environmental legislation, or promoting sustainability issues within local government or in the local SME business sector. The UK now produces over 400 million tonnes of waste each year1, and clearly there is a need for the economy to become more efficient in the use of resources. It has been estimated that a company can save as much as £1,000 per employee through the effective use of raw materials.
Waste minimisation is a cost-effective way to reduce environmental impact and costs. There are more savings to be made by reducing the amount of waste being produced in the first place, rather than dealing with it once it has been produced through recycling or disposal. All waste costs money, and processes in every business generates waste. Minimising the waste therefore offers the potential for savings. Many costs are hidden, and can contribute to up to 4 per cent of a business' turnover (EHJ, June 2002, page 168).

Generally, costs rise as materials go further down the hierarchy due to inputs such as labour, energy, etc. Through a better use of raw materials and careful purchasing, dramatic improvements in environmental performance and big cost savings can be made. A useful side effect for EHOs is that cleaner more efficient businesses are more sustainable. Furthermore, they generally pollute less and are less likely to create nuisances. By reducing the amount of waste that a business produces, there is not only a reduction in costs but also in risk.

Envirowise produces a wide range of useful publications for LA21 and sustainability officers, as well as EHOs visiting businesses. They include interactive waste minimisation tools and general guides for offices and manufacturing premises. Envirowise has also produced various publications to help local authorities as business supporters, including guides on how to run a variety of workshops. In addition, there are two short flyers, "ET191 Support for EHOs" and "ET192 Reducing waste - what can we do to help?", which explain how the programme can help.

Envirowise also offers a business supporters club, which provides a networking forum. By registering at the Envirowise website, local authorities can access information on the services available. In addition, Envirowise promotes the establishment of regional and local waste minimisation clubs throughout the UK. There are now over 100 clubs in the UK with over 1,100 companies actively participating and achieving a collective annual saving of £46m. For local authorities looking to build partnerships with local businesses, Envirowise can provide guidance on setting up a club.

To find out more about Envirowise and how it can help your local authority, contact Clare Campbell on 01235 432360 or e-mail: clare.campbell@envirowise.gov.uk Alternatively, visit the Envirowise website at: www.envirowise.gov.uk

References 1
Achieving a better quality of life. Defra, March 2002