As we continue to hunker down for winter, and prepare for another new year, it’s a good time to resolve to finally be more resource efficient. It makes sense for three good reasons: to reduce costs, remain competitive, and to cut carbon emissions.
It can be done. Every year, our advisors help hundreds of businesses in Scotland become more resource efficient and cost-effective – by reducing energy and water use, and by minimising waste. Which is good news when you consider that:
- We live in a world of finite resources
- Energy costs are not going to tumble
- There’s never going to be a magic bullet solution for making waste disappear.
So here, in a spirit of good cheer, are four New Year’s resolutions designed to help protect your bottom line in the year ahead.
Resolution #1 – I will make a plan
Plan: An intention or decision about what one is going to do.
So, what are you going to do this year that will, once and for all, reduce your energy bills? If the big stuff is scaring you – it’s too much work, too expensive, too complicated – then get started on the small things. Your plan should probably contain a few key actions that are easy to achieve, such as:
- Fixing draughts that sneak in through ill-fitting windows and doors, and holes in the wall
- Encouraging your staff to switch off lights and turn off taps
- Working out the best settings for your heating system and adjusting them to reduce your energy use and bills
Your plan can then outline the bigger actions that come next, when time and money allow – installing a swanky new heating system, for example, or upgrading all your lighting to LED.
Making a plan gets you one step closer to action, and it doesn’t need to be hard work. Jump over to our Savings Finder, tell us a little about who you are and what you do, and we’ll produce your very own action plan, delivered to your inbox, within 10 minutes.
Resolution #2 – I will engage my colleagues
Engage: Occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention).
Engaging your colleagues is the key to success. Your colleagues should be your fellow master planners. Get them involved earlier rather than later. Ask them for their input to your plan. Get their ideas, their objections and their inspirations. Many hands make light work but remember that some people aren’t so comfortable with change.
We have lots of free materials that can help you motivate staff and colleagues – from setting up a Green Team to training staff and running regular waste and energy reduction campaigns. Just what you need to get them enthused and engaged throughout the year.
Use the staff engagement toolkit for step-by-step support.
Resolution #3 – I will recognise Green Champions and value them
Champion: A person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else.
Let’s give a shout out to all the Green Champions. Yay! Not many small or medium-sized organisations have the luxury of a dedicated Environmental Manager. But we see again and again that resource efficient businesses have been driven by the dedication of one or two people. These are your Green Champions.
Green Champions can come from anywhere in your organisation. They’re supervisors, office managers, cleaners, warehouse staff or any number of other job titles. What they share is energy and commitment combined with some knowledge and understanding of how to push reductions in waste and energy use. They’re incredibly valuable. Ask who’d like to step up to the challenge and help you grow a greener business.
All businesses can benefit by having a dedicated Green Champion – and better yet a Green Team. Our free CPD-certified online training course will develop staff skills. And because we all learn differently we also run workshops through the year.
Resolution #4 – I will make a pledge to be resource efficient
Pledge: a solemn promise or undertaking.
Make 2019 the year you take the Resource Efficiency Pledge or take your pledge to the next level. The Resource Efficiency Pledge is a national scheme backed by the Scottish Government. Join hundreds of Scottish businesses in demonstrating a commitment to improving resource efficiency.
Making your pledge can help to galvanise your management team’s commitment to your chosen actions. It also gives you public recognition for your efforts. Don’t be bashful. Let the world know you’re doing your bit to help the world as much as yourself.
Make your Resource Efficiency Pledge
Good luck! And we wish you all the best for a prosperous and resource efficient 2019. Don’t forget, our team of resource efficiency experts is here to help you all year round on 0808 808 2268.
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Our support to reduce your business costs are funded by the Scottish Government and by the European Regional Development Fund through the £73 million Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Accelerator Programme.
Footnote: Dictionary definitions from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries.