Going green is good business

11:43am Thursday 10th April 2008

Businesses in Kingston are being urged to "go green" and adopt some easy steps to help save the environment and reduce their own running costs.

Southlondon.biz, the enterprise support arm of Merton Chamber of Commerce, has released 10 top tips along with a wider set of recommendations to Kingston businesses.

The service, set up in January 2007, aims to educate small businesses in Kingston, Merton, Sutton, Croydon and Wandsworth, in how to operate in an eco-friendly way.

Diana Sterck, chief executive officer of southlondon.biz, said: "Many office workers don't realise how simple but effective it is to take some of these steps.

"People want to help make a difference but many believe that to do so will take up lots of time and be very costly, but this isn't the case.

"By adopting a greener approach, local businesses are now reporting that by taking up the service they have made savings in their business."

Greening Business Officers (GBOs), who represent the GoGreen project, visit a local business and review its current energy use and waste management processes. Following the audit, information and advice is provided in the form of a personalised action plan.

The audit is funded by the London Development Agency and the company just has to pay a small £10 (including VAT) administration fee.

Once the business has the action plan, it can apply for a small grant to help it implement the changes needed.

It also gets an opportunity to meet and join forces with other local businesses on the project.

Companies that are interested in receiving advice and guidance from a GBO should call southlondon.biz on 020 8947 0055, email gogreen@ southlondon.biz, or write to GoGreen c/o Merton Chamber of Commerce, Tuition House, 27-37 St George's Road, London SW19 4EU.

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