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   Steps to a smaller carbon footprint
With the introductory phase of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme due to begin in April, large businesses with high CO2 emissions are already setting about reducing their carbon footprint. By becoming more energy efficient, they can reduce the amount of CO2 emission allowances they need to purchase and increase the likelihood that they will be repaid more than they pay out. Smaller businesses that will not be affected by the mandatory scheme can also reap rewards by going green. Business Link Northwest offers free advice, guidance and information to help companies reduce their carbon footprint. In turn, businesses can make financial savings, look after the environment and enhance their green credentials, potentially opening up more public sector procurement opportunities. A Business Link adviser will carry out an initial assessment by telephone to identify the areas of business that could benefit from some attention. The company will then be brokered on to the relevant organisation, which will offer more in-depth support that focuses specifically on the areas identified. Improving your Resource Efficiency (IYRE), funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), provides a range of support to help businesses reduce their environmental impact and can be accessed via Business Link Northwest. IYRE imparts free, independent advice to help businesses reduce their use of raw materials, consumables, energy and water. It can also offer help with sourcing environmental products and services, identifying the right environmental technology, accessing grant funding, submitting planning applications and give advice to companies looking to make use of renewable energy sources. Donna Edwards, operations director at Business Link Northwest said: “The phrases ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘energy efficiency’ have crept into everyday vocabulary as people and businesses increasingly recognise the importance of looking after the environment, not to mention the financial savings that can be made as a result. “Ultimately, we want to help as many businesses as possible to use their resources more efficiently, using less to make more and reducing their residual waste. We are also keen to raise awareness of eco-innovation, as plenty of business opportunities lie in the development of new products, processes and services that include low carbon technology and services, product design using recycled materials and low or zero waste products.”
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