subject: Information On Reducing Waste And Using Resources More Efficiently [print this page] Information On Reducing Waste And Using Resources More Efficiently
Using fewer resources and reducing waste are things that every business wants to do; why then are most businesses not following through with strategies to help them achieve those goals? The reason is that most businesses have tried out a few waste reducing strategies but have found them to actually end up costing them more (in terms of money and time) than the benefits are worth. It is not that the strategies that they have tried implementing are wrong, but rather that they have not implemented them correctly. It makes good commercial sense to be as efficient as possible, and carrying out an audit of materials used during processing, energy and water consumption, and waste production, is a good starting point. Being more efficient involves taking a really good look at every aspect of your business, from office lighting to vehicles, storage and all types of processes. It means applying best practice programmes and business models such as the Waste Hierarchy to re-assess everything you do. Once you know what you are using now, and how much of it, you then need to work out where you can cut back and how much you can cut back. This is not an easy job, and it will take time, money and expertise. A common mistake is to just assign the job to an employee who has not got much to do and to make them brainstorm some ideas for an hour or so. This nearly always yields poor results because waste reduction requires knowledge and experience, and is not something that most people can do well. This is where the expertise of environmental consultants can be a life saver, helping you to find the most efficient way of working as well as steering you through the complex maze of environmental legislation. The different parts of the UK have different rules and the key is to find advisors who are familiar with them. So, if you are based in Edinburgh, Scotland, for example, a consultant with excellent knowledge of Scottish laws is your best bet. As well benefiting financially and helping the environment, it should also be remembered that there is legal issues involved. There is a lot of environmental legislation that needs to be adhered to and failing to do so could result in large fines being levied against your business. Ignorance is no defense, and whilst you could read up on this legislation yourself, is that really a good use of your time? An environmental consultant will be fully aware of the various environmental laws that are in place in your country and will advise you accordingly.
