Award winning therapists see instant returns after going Green
Wandsworth Borough carried out a £1,500,000 project which developed a model for reaching small businesses to raise awareness of how environmental practices can help their business and what practical and affordable steps they can take to improve performance. The most successful outcomes were achieved when business owners were able to commit to immediate implementation of action plans when they were able to benefit from advisor presence. By developing a programme of advice based on practical short term actions whilst indicating longer term benefits, the project managed to engage smaller businesses and achieve high levels of customer satisfaction.
Achieved targets: 219 businesses were supported with environmental action plans, 57 reporting environmental improvements through implementation within the project reporting period andtarget 62 achieved new environmental accreditations. The project was able to report 44 tonnes of CO2 saved and 150 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill.
How ERDF helped an SME
Since The Forge Clinic benefited from the Greening Business programme, it has moved from recycling no waste to recycling 95% of it, saving £400 a year in the process. Heating controls have also been changed, saving £250 a year, and a proper environmental policy has made sure all that all of the clinic’s providers are eco compliant. The clinic is also planning a lighting upgrade that will save £1,500 a year on electricity and the owners are looking in the long term to replace the boiler to save a further £1,000 a year.
Jerome Boisard, Co owner of The Forge Clinic, said, "As a small business I really appreciated the help Greening Business has offered me in terms of sustainability. It was all very straightforward starting with an assessment of the existing situation that led to a range of options covering energy use, lighting and waste. We are in the middle of the process but we can already see results. It has been very valuable and helped us take a step back to look ahead at solutions”.
“Most businesses are keen but haven’t got the time or resources. The Greening Business programme provides you with the free help of an expert to assess the options for your business and help you get the work done.”
After participating in the Greening Business Programme, The Forge Clinic won Richmond Council’s ‘Exceptional’ Go Green Award in December 2013.