EQISSUE 12

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Welcome to issue 12 of EQ! This summer we are focusing on the adaptation and mitigation required by businesses in order to prosper. With £500 million committed by the government in this year’s budget for investment in energy and resource efficiency, adapting to the environmental and economical limitations being placed on British business is high on the agenda.

In this issue we outline the new ENWORKS Climate Change Risk Assessment Service offered by your local Groundwork Trust, remember how costly those floods were to British businesses in 2007? This risk assessment will help you to assess and adapt to climate change risks. We also have a few examples of local businesses that have imple-mented low cost measures to help adapt to environmental issues and save money.

This EQ is about focusing on the positives that can come out of adaptation and that it is not the impossible task that it is imagined to be.

ContentsBritish and Chinese Climate Change Pact p2Increasing the development of low carbon technology

Case Study: Rainwater Harvesting p3Making the most out of a rainy day

Additional Help Available p4NWDA Grants and Adaptation to Climate Change

Case Study: Efficient Driver Training p5Train your drivers to keep fuel costs down

Ask the Expert p6An introduction to eco-design

Groundwork Specialist Services p7Services to help you with compliance

Training & Events Programme p8

This publication is funded by:

In May 2009 the Carbon Trust signed a pioneering agreement in Beijing with the China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC) to develop and distribute low carbon technologies in China. This partnership will ultimately help British businesses wanting to export low carbon technologies into China.

The £10 million agreement will see a joint venture created to accelerate low carbon innovation and technology transfer into China, opening new markets for innovative, British clean technology companies and reducing global carbon emissions.

Ed Miliband, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, stated:

“The Chinese market for low carbon and clean technology products and services is substantial and growing at a significant rate…This new agreement is an important contribution to building a global low carbon economy, bringing UK and Chinese expertise together to generate real commercial value.”

The joint venture will have two core objectives: to develop new and emerging low carbon technologies and introduce selected low carbon businesses from the UK to China; and to provide financial investment for UK and Chinese low carbon businesses in China.

As well as the initial £10 million investment funded by CECIC and the Carbon Trust, the joint venture aims to leverage significant third party funding from varying public and private sectors.

This agreement represents an important step towards the UK and the world using low carbon technology to drive economic recovery, as outlined by Ed Miliband and Peter Mandelson in their low carbon Industrial

Summit earlier this year. The Low Carbon Innovation Agreement is another example of how British business can be at the front line of this rapidly growing global market.

Another exciting development for the implementation of low carbon technologies into British Businesses; specifically within the North West include the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) resource efficiency grants. Further information on these grants are included later in this issue.

British and Chinese Climate Change Pact

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The Central Buildings on Oldham Street, Manchester houses offices and facilities for the Methodist Church and other organisations. On site facilities include a café area, a lecture theatre and a chapel. The Methodist Central Buildings Management Committee manages the building. Groundwork has worked with the Management Committee since 2003.

Due to the increasing cost of water and energy, this organisation enlisted Groundwork to help identify measures that would reduce costs through improved efficiency whilst making the building more sustainable in the long-term.

Groundwork undertook an on-site review of the organisation’s activities focusing on the use of and management of water and energy. Following on-site discussions, a report and action plan were developed, highlighting opportunities for improvement and prioritising these actions. A number of opportunities were identified ranging from the upgrading

of lighting to energy efficient models to the installation of a rainwater harvesting system.

The organisation consequently made a number of improvements to lighting efficiency through the replacement of lamps with energy efficient lamps, improvement of lighting controls and the installation of passive infra red occupancy sensors. As a result lights are used less, and the lighting that is used uses significantly less energy than the bulbs that they have replaced.

In addition, the organisation has installed a rainwater harvesting system. Through this system, all rain falling on the building is captured and used to flush the toilets in the building resulting in a reduction in mains water consumption as well as a significant decrease in the organisation’s surface water charge.

Tim Willis, the Building manager, elaborates:

“The rainwater harvesting system has worked brilliantly and is great for the organisation as it cuts our costs related to water use and has made us more sustainable.”The improvement of lighting has saved the organisation £425 per annum, equating to a 3 tonne reduction of CO² from the organisation’s carbon footprint.

The implementation of a rainwater harvesting system has meant a saving of 200m³ water per annum and a £400 reduction in water costs.

Overall, The Methodist Church has saved over £825 per annum from its utility bills. The mains water consumption of the building has been halved and energy use reduced by 5,316 kWh per annum.

To book your free Diagnostic Review contact:

Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, TraffordJackie Carter: 0161 220 1020

Oldham & RochdaleSara Williams: 0161 624 1444

Bury & BoltonJames Winfield: 0161 762 2650

The Methodist Church: Central BuildingsBenefiting from one of Manchester’s most abundant resources...

Water butts for rainwater harvesting vary in price dependant on the building and complexity of system.

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The NWDA has launched a grant for improving businesses across the Northwest’s resource efficiency. This grant is designed to provide enhanced help for capital investment where the project will generate wider environmental benefits in the region. This encompasses the provision of low carbon waste and water technologies to SME’s, which are designed to reduce energy and water usage on site, minimise waste generation and maximise recycling/reuse of waste.

The grants are discretionary and usually take the form of support when a loan from the Carbon Trust cannot be provided. The level of grant is not dependant on where the project is based, but under European funding rules, businesses involved in the production of synthetic fibres, textiles and clothing, motor vehicles, agriculture and food processing are not eligible for funding under this particular grant.

The maximum grants available are £171,000 but the majority are under £50,000, the minimum is £10,000, the fixed grant rate is 50% of the total costs; consequently the minimum total project cost can be £20,000.

For further information on the Grant for Resource Efficiency please contact your local Groundwork Trust or alternatively visit:

www.nwdabusinessfinance.co.uk

Northwest Development Agency (NWDA): Grant for Resource Efficiency

The Climate Change Risk Diagnostic has been structured to consider the expected changes to the climate and ask the question “What will this do to my sector or business?” and use this information to suggest what will be the likely ‘threats’ and ‘opportunities’ of different climatic conditions. The review helps integrate climate change risk into the overall risk management processes of an organisation.

The Climate Change Risk Diagnostic considers both the direct impacts of climate change:

FloodingHigh windsHeat wavesWarmer summersWetter wintersDroughtVariable weather

and indirect;

LegislationRegulationConsumer attitudes

The areas within business that the risk assessment will examine are:

LeadershipPolicy and strategyPartnerships and ResourcesPeopleProcesses LogisticsProcesses Marketing and SalesProcesses OperationsProcesses Finance and Procurement

The structure of the review is to initiate discussion within businesses on what they consider the risks to be, followed by examination of all processes of the company to establish the level of climate change risk present. Once the review has taken place a report will be issued to the business detailing the risks and what actions they should take to

help alleviate the risk.

The benefits of this new service are an increased knowledge of what the effects of climate change could have on a company, potential reduction in insurance prices and compliance with future legislation as well as increased efficiency and productivity of the organisation if it chooses to incorporate the adaptation measures suggested.

To book your free Risk Review contact your local Groundwork Trust:

Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, TraffordJackie Carter: 0161 220 1020

Oldham & RochdaleOliver Smallman: 0161 624 1444

Bury & BoltonJames Winfield: 0161 762 2650

Climate Change Risk Review

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Smarter driving means driving in an efficient manner to reduce fuel consumption and consequently the car’s impact on the environment. With fuel prices rising everyday, fuel has become a significant output for many businesses and increasing employees’ efficiency as drivers could create some real cost savings.

The Energy Saving Trust recently provided funding to supply free 50 minute driving efficiency lessons to businesses throughout the United Kingdom.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale partnered up with the Energy Saving Trust and DriveSense to provide two training days for staff from businesses in the local area.

Michael Richardson a driving instructor delivering the course explains, “This short Eco Driving course involves the driver being observed driving a short circular route on urban roads with typically lower speed limits. Advice is then offered on a second drive on

Smarter Driving for Smarter BusinessesDriver efficiency training reduces fuel consumption but also reduces vehicle wear and tear and risk of road accidents

how to reduce fuel consumption through forward planning, ideally aiming to keep the vehicle moving rather than rushing into stop/start situations. A third drive then sees the driver put this into practice with, hopefully an improved mpg and as is often the case, an improved average speed.”

22 people attended the course from James Briggs, Ebor, Premier Castings,

Heyrod Construction and from Groundwork itself. The training days resulted in everyone who attended receiving a fuel consumption reduction, with the average being a 12.5% decrease and a total of £3,423 potential fuel savings identified per annum.

Michael added:

“Many drivers, having never attended any form of driver training since passing their original test are understandably a little apprehensive about attending such a course. I would emphasise that the training is offered to help both the driver and their company and is not intended in any way to be a test. The methods demonstrated can save individual drivers as much as £250 per annum in fuel costs with the added bonus of reduced wear and tear to their vehicle. The methods also go ‘hand in hand’ with defensive driving techniques therefore reducing road risk for all concerned.”If you feel your business could benefit from efficient driver training please contact Sara Williams at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale for further information:

T: 0161 624 1444E: ebs.gor@groundwork.org.ukW: www.gwor.org.uk

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1. What is meant by eco-design?

Eco-design refers to the incorporation of environmental considerations into the design and specification of products and packaging. The aim is to reduce overall environmental impacts across the life cycle (from cradle to grave) whilst maintaining performance and value for money. Often, introducing environmental constraints can result in more innovative and elegant design solutions.

2. Are there cost savings to be made through eco-design?

Definitely! As well as having environmental benefits, significant cost savings can be achieved. For example, designing products or packaging with fewer components and less weight will generally reduce purchasing costs. Design for assembly and disassembly should reduce manufacturing costs and recycling costs respectively. More compact design and optimised packaging will also reduce distribution costs. There are many examples of good eco-design, saving tens of thousands of pounds, through Envirowise and elsewhere. See: www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Topics-and-Issues/Eco-Design.html

3. Are there any regulations covering product eco-design?

Yes there are, in particular around electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The Eco-Design Directive requires that manufacturers, their representatives and importers of energy-using products meet various

eco-design requirements, mostly focused on energy efficiency. There are already requirements around such things as lighting, standby power, external power supplies and set top boxes.

The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Regulations also list a number of (Annex II) components that must be removed from any separately collected WEEE. As a result, manufacturers should design to allow easy removal of these components.

4. What about packaging eco-design regulations?

In addition to the well-known Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations there are also the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations that apply to ALL businesses placing packaged products on the market (as pack fillers, importers or brand owners). These regulations require companies to minimise the amount of packaging used (weight and volume) and to allow reuse or recovery at end of life.

The regulations are enforced by local authority trading standards and companies should be able to demonstrate compliance through relevant documentation if requested to do so. See guidance at: www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/sustainability/

5. How would I make a start?

While you may hear people talking about complex and data hungry Life Cycle Analysis, a lot can be done in a short workshop if the

right people and some relevant environmental information can be drawn together. Ideally you need your product designers, packaging technologists, manufacturing engineers, marketing staff, procurement staff and environmental advisers to brainstorm potential eco-design improvement options. That said, many companies will still need some help (see below)!

6. Where can I go for advice about eco-design and what type of support is available?

Self-help material is available through Envirowise. There are various guides, case studies and online tools to help you make a start. See: www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Topics-and-Issues/Eco-Design.html

In the North West, Groundwork is also able to provide free advice through the ENWORKS Resource Efficiency programme. Experienced advisers can come on site and facilitate workshops and assist with eco-design implementation at no cost.

Mark Hilton,Enviros Consulting Ltd

Mark is a Technical Director with ENVIROS Consulting Ltd. He is an aeronautical engineer by background and has a masters degree in environmental engineering and 14 years experience in environmental consultancy, specialising in resource-efficiency and product and packaging eco-design. He is an advisor to ENWORKS and is currently leading the Northwest Eco-design Project. He has worked on packaging and product eco-design for a wide range of companies including Vodafone, Cadbury, Premier Foods, Pret a Manger, BP, Subway, EDF Energy and a wide variety of smaller companies. He is also a guest lecturer in resource efficiency at the University of Manchester.

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Noise pollution is classified as any displeasing human, animal or machine induced sound that disrupts the activity or balance of everyday life. With increased pressure on land, the potential for residential areas and noise sources, be they industrial plants, roads, construction sites etc to be

situated in close proximity grows ever greater.

The resulting noise exposure can cause considerable noise annoyance, consequently objections and complaints are commonplace and require investigation. Furthermore, if your production site is

Groundwork Specialist Services: Noise Pollutionincreasingly loud it could be an indication of inefficient machinery or lack of streamlined production.

A variety of guidance is available relating to environmental noise, though specific documents include PPG24 - Planning Policy Guidance on Noise and BS4142 - Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas.

The likely impact of ‘industrial’ noise can be assessed through the procedure set out in BS4142 - Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas. This assessment can be used to support planning applications or investigate the likelihood of complaints occurring from industrial plant.

Groundwork Trusts can undertake noise measurements relating to the following situations:

Planning application Noise Surveys

Investigation of nuisance complaints

Site monitoring to ensure compliance with planning consent or IPPC permits / Environmental Permits.

If required, we can also examine your work process and suggest ways to become more resource efficient to decrease the volume of environmental noise.

For further information on our noise auditing services or to book a FREE resource efficiency review please see the contact details below.

All this can be achieved, and more, by making your business more resource efficient.

Through the ENWORKS business support programme, Groundwork can provide FREE resource efficiency support to eligible Small to Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout Greater Manchester. Non SMEs are still able to access a FREE resource efficiency review and access highly subsidised additional support.

At Groundwork, our resource efficiency programme is designed to help you

improve your environmental performance; a process that will save you money, make you more competitive within your market place and will help improve your business reputation.

We provide the technical expertise to help:

Enhance the bottom line through minimisation of waste generationIncrease efficiency with better use of raw materials, labour and utilitiesDecrease waste sent to landfillImprove your image with stakeholders

To book your FREE Resource Efficiency Review, please contact:

Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside & Trafford Jackie Carter: 0161 220 1020

Oldham & RochdaleSara Williams: 0161 624 1444

Bury & BoltonJames Winfield: 0161 762 2650

For further information, please visit us online at: www.groundworknw.org.uk

Training & Events Programme

CIEH Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace5½ day course taking place in Manchester on 08/09/09, 24/09/09, 15/10/09, 05/11/09, 24/11/09, 12/01/10Cost: £425 for GBA members and £475 for non members

First Aid Appointed Person1 day course taking place in Manchester on 10/09/09Cost: £50 for GBA members and £100 for non members

Introduction to Environmental Management SystemsBreakfast event taking place in Manchester on 11/09/09Cost: FREE to all businesses

CIEH Level 3 Award in Risk Assessment Principles and Practice1½ day course taking place in Manchester on 15/09/09, 16/09/09Cost: £130 for GBA members and £170 for non members

CIEH Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace1 day course taking place in Oldham on 23/09/09Cost: £75 for GBA members and £150 for non members

CIEH Principles of Manual Handling½ day course taking place in Tameside on 29/09/09Cost: £100 for both GBA members and non members

CIEH Level 3 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace3½ day course taking place in Manchester on 01/10/09, 07/10/09, 13/10/09, 21/10/09Cost: £350 for GBA members and £450 for non members

CIWM Waste Awareness1 day course taking place in Oldham on 15/10/09Cost: £110 for GBA members and £130 for non members

Groundwork Environmental Management Systems (GEMS) Training Course3½ day course taking place in Trafford on 20/10/09, 03/11/09, 17/11/09, 20/11/09Cost: £427.50 for GBA members and £475 for non members

CIEH Environmental Awareness1 day course taking place in Tameside on 12/11/09Cost: FREE to SME’s, £100 for GBA members and £150 for non members

First Aid Appointed Person1 day course taking place in Oldham on 18/11/09Cost: £50 for GBA members and £100 for non members

CIEH Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace1 day course taking place in Manchester on 25/11/09Cost: £100 for GBA members and £150 for non members

CIEH Environmental Management5 day course taking place in Trafford on 23/11/09, 24/11/09, 25/11/09, 26/11/09, 27/11/09Cost: £517.50 for GBA members and £575 for non members

We can offer FREE places to attend some of our Environmental and Waste Training for SMEs. Please contact us for more information.

All prices are subject to VAT. If you have training needs which are not satisfied by the course or timing detailed above then please let us know. We will record your interest and look to provide additional training subject to demand. Groundwork can provide a range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to your business, to be run on your site at a preferential rate.

For more details or to book onto any of these courses, please contact your local Groundwork business advisor:

0161 220 1020 for Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside & Trafford

0161 624 1444 for Oldham & Rochdale

0161 762 2650 for Bury & Bolton

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