Sustainable business

Sustainability is based around meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future, and links our environment,  economy and society.

Why make my business sustainable?

Sustainability can save money, provide competitive advantage, increase customer and employee satisfaction and provide new business opportunities.

We believe that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility and can only be achieved if all of as – individuals and organisations – are prepared to make changes and sustainable choices.

A wide variety of support is available nationally, regionally and locally as outlined in the sections below. Links to help businesses adopt similar principles to those outlined above and implement actions to make their business sustainable.

Tel: 0845 600 9 006

Website: www.gov.uk

If you want to become more environmentally friendly and cut your costs, then Gov.uk can help.

You can find free, practical and knowledgeable advice on environmental and sustainability issues on Gov.uk including:

• How to cut costs by becoming more efficient
• How to cut your carbon footprint
• How to use less energy and water
• How to produce less waste and recycle more

Area: National

Portsmouth City Council is keen to promote the savings companies can make (and hence improve their bottom line) by adopting environmental management practices. The Carbon Trust and Energy Savings Trust are independent bodies that can provide advice, assistance, information and resources to help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

For example the Carbon Trust currently has an interest-free loan available for SMEs who are looking to become more energy efficient.

• The Carbon Trust
• The Energy Savings Trust

Area: National

Utilities 4 Less is offering members who switch to renewable energy with U4L get a free energy monitoring system for their business. U4L will also plant 25 trees for every business which makes the switch.

Utilities 4 Less Service

Area: Regional

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP), together with the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have agreed a strategy for development of a low carbon economy in the Solent area which will help stimulate sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and reduce our carbon footprint.

Future Solent offers information on good practice, resources and links and information for businesses.

Area: Regional

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is the forward facing business support system run by a number of partners in Hampshire. Local quarterly network meetings bring together engaged and like-minded businesses in an information setting to consider a different sustainability issues each time. This network is free to join.

For more information click the link above or call 013 2924 2420

Area: Regional

Portsmouth Sustainable Business Network

The Portsmouth Sustainable Business Network is supported by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight and exists to encourage and support more businesses to adopt sustainable business practices.

It acts as a platform for Portsmouth businesses themselves to get together and discuss and learn about sustainability issues and resulting money-saving opportunities through a series of free meetings at different locations across the Portsmouth area.

It does this by, engaging and working directly with businesses to help them identify and implement actions. The network also helps to stimulate demand for the local sustainable business economy, working with strategic and delivery partner organisations.

Businesses which already have well-established sustainability programmes can share their experiences with others, as well as stay on top of the latest legislation through presentations from experts in the field.

The Portsmouth Sustainable Business Network provides free support and advice on a wide range of sustainability issues and opportunities specifically to local businesses. There is no cost to join.

To find out more about the Portsmouth Sustainable Business Network and for free advice and guidance, please call on 023 8022 3541.

Area: Local

Parity Projects offer industry leading eco-refurbishment courses. They have developed the first nationally accredited training courses for low energy refurbishment available in the UK.

The suite of BTEC modules are designed for tradesmen and professionals to add to their knowledge and to allow them to build qualifications over time. Whatever your trade, be amongst the first to offer meaningful services to clients to help them reduce their utility bills, reduce their energy use and help them to help the environment.

Each module requires one full day in the classroom and after six modules you will have gained the equivalent of one full BTEC.

To find out more you can visit Parity Projects website.

Area: National