Businesses line up for green advice

Businesses from across London were encouraged to learn more about how they can make their operations more environmentally friendly by London Remade.


The packed Sense and Sustainability exhibition and conference, at the Emirates Stadium, gave companies the chance to meet experts in a wide range of fields and pick up tips to make their businesses leaner and greener.

A fashion show featuring clothes made from recycled materials also aimed to inspire people from the capital’s companies.

Among the organisations handing out advice was the Pathway to Zero Waste, a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

The scheme, which is being piloted in the south east of England, aims to divert construction, food and wood waste away from landfill.

Chindara Taylor, director of the Pathway to Zero Waste scheme, said: “The key driver to set up the Pathway to Zero waste is the current situation of putting waste into landfill and the resulting carbon emissions.”

By working with businesses, they aim to cut the amount of construction waste going to landfill by 50% by 2011.

London Remade was also on hand to offer businesses advice on small changes they can make to the way they look at sustainability in their organisations.

Debbie Hitchen, from London Remade Solutions, said: “One of the best ways to get these ideas off the ground is to have champions throughout the organisations, but also to make sure they are supported at a senior level.”

Delegates also heard how they could make their employees’ journeys to work greener, and how they should prepare for upcoming legislation that could affect them, such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

Elizabeth Shepherd, partner at law firm Eversheds, said: “You need to assess the impact now. Look at the cost of allowances and cash flow issues because you will have to buy your electricity usage at the start of every year.”

Kate Martin

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe