Business

Tackling climate change requires positive action at all levels from as many people as possible. Local businesses have a role to play in ensuring that their operations are as 'climate friendly' as possible and encourage all staff to do their bit. A sustainable approach to business can make a significant contribution to reducing our carbon emissions and help tackle the causes of global warming that potentially threatens so much of our local wildlife.

Reducing the environmental impact of your company is a cost-effective and practical business choice. By managing your transport, energy and procurement needs in a resource efficient way, you can save money, reduce your overhead costs and gain an edge over competitors. The government programme Envirowise estimates that businesses could save as much as £1,000 per employee through waste reduction alone.

Why support the Climate Friends campaign?

• - Being able to present your business as environmentally responsible is a powerful marketing tool.
• - Compliance with current and future government legislation is easier and more affordable if you are already addressing the challenges in a strategic way.
• - Closer links with the local community through joint action.

Case Study 1: Golledge - Leading the Way in Sustainable Business Operation

Golledge, an electronics company based in Ilminster, have really taken the initiative to significantly improve the sustainability of their business. As keen supporters of the Wildlife Trust, they have become aware of the need to address such issues and have made some incredible steps towards reducing their impact upon the environment. These range from big projects such as looking into acquiring solar panels; to the smaller things like turning off unnecessary lights and providing green literature for lunchtime reading. They have also adopted a recycling and card shredding facility, which has reduced their waste by a significant skip load per week. They are switching to a sustainable electricity supplier and now ensure that all stationary where possible is bought from green suppliers. Several of the employees have even switched their cars - including a couple of 3 litre Mercedes' - for Toyota Prius'

 

Case Study 2: Nicholas Moore – a pioneering law firm on the Blackdown Hills

Client service, quality of life and environmental impact all have the highest priority at Nicholas Moore, specialist employment lawyers.

For many years the principal of the firm had commuted daily to the centre of Bristol as a senior partner with Osborne Clarke, a leading firm of solicitors.He was covering 600 miles and driving for at least 15 hours each week in the process. Nicholas had long held the belief that lawyers could deliver top quality professional service without having to compromise on the core value of quality of life.

In December 2005 he turned that belief into reality by setting up his own niche employment firm in a wing of the 15th century thatched farmhouse at Ruggin. The firm has attracted major clients, both national and local. Talented lawyers are enticed by fully flexible working, state-of-the-art technology and an office with windows open to fresh air, the sounds of the countryside and views of the Blackdown Hills.

In 2008 the offices of Nicholas Moore will be moving to an environmentally sustainable barn conversion nearby. It will have communications facilities to rival those of the City firms with whom the firm competes head on for business - a 21st century working environment in an 18th century shell … and a stunning location. The renovation, undertaken by local craftsmen, will have a strong emphasis on sustainability and quality of life.

Lawyers will still only journey to the office when work demands. There will still be accommodation for the swallows, sparrows and bats which have for generations lived there. The firm is a founding member of the Legal Sector Alliance. This initiative will encourage the solicitors' profession nationwide to address climate change issues by adopting best practice to make more efficient use of resources, shaping legislation to tackle environmental harm and advising clients on environmental law and best practice.

As keen supporters of The Wildlife Trust, the firm will continue work to minimise its environmental impact with its ethical policies in terms on energy saving and recycling, eliminating unnecessary travel, and ensuring that wherever possible its business supplies and services are sourced locally. The work ethos at Nicholas Moore demonstrates that exceptional client service can be achieved sustainably, with a proper work/life balance. www.nicholas-moore.co.uk'

 

 

 

If your business would like to sign-up to the Climate Friends campaign please contact climate.friends@somersetwildlife.org

If you would like to look at ways of making your business more sustainable please contact our partners at Envision - www.envisionsw.org.uk