Creativebias Helpsheet: The Benefits of an Environmental Policy

The Benefits of an Environmental Policy

A Guide for Creative Industries Entrepreneurs

The environment has been a significant concern for many years now, with these concerns translating into legal responsibilities for your business. In fact, some local laws are based on international laws and agreements. We all have a responsibility to minimise the impact our business has on the environment. But what are the benefits of doing so?

• Improved energy efficiency equals reduced costs. You should be aware of the 'Climate Change Levy' which is a tax on the use of energy in industry, commerce and the public sector, applied before VAT is calculated. This does not apply to very small firms, but even so reduction in energy use will save you money.
  
• Reduction of waste also reduces costs. There is a charge to businesses for disposing of their waste, for example it currently costs around £18 per tonne to dispose of waste at landfill sites. You may look to reduce the amount of waste you produce by making your processes more efficient, which could save you time and reduce the amount of raw materials you need. You might even find someone who can use your waste as a raw material.
  
• There are tax incentives for businesses that buy and use energy and water-efficient technologies or low emission vehicles.
  
• Legal compliance ensures that you won't get prosecuted for breaking the law or sued for negligence.
  
• You may be able to reduce your insurance costs by ensuring that you have good environmental practices in place, as these practices may serve to create a safer work place.
  
• Presenting yourself as an environmentally-friendly business may help you to win customers, and having an environmental policy in place might even be a prerequisite before bidding for certain contracts
  
• Finally, feel good about yourself - you are playing your part in a global movement and helping to protect the environment!!!
  

Within the first year of trading Creativebias clients will need to have an on-site opportunity audit conducted by Groundwork, who will make suggestions about ways to become more environmentally-friendly. In the meantime, here are some suggestions that you might wish to consider including in your environmental policy:

1) You will comply with relevant legislation

2) You will continually strive to reduce the environmental impact of your operation

3) With due regard to health and safety you will switch off all unnecessary lighting

4) You will use recycled paper wherever possible

You can also bring your scrap paper when you visit the Creativebias offices and put it in our paper recycle bin.