Businesses in Cornwall are making lasting New Year’s resolutions after completing the Eden Project’s sustainability course.
The organisations have taken part in the Green Foundation programme designed to help them react positively to new Government legislation and gain a competitive edge in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Since it was introduced last September, 31 organisations have taken advantage of the free, ten-day scheme funded by the European Social Fund.
After engaging with the issues surrounding sustainability, understanding ways to save costs and spot opportunities in the changing marketplace, many of the companies have now made resolutions to help green their businesses and get ahead in the low-carbon economy in 2011.
Some of the Green Foundation pledges are:
- Atlantic Diving, Newquay – using alternative marine fuel for their diving boats
- Bude Meat Supply – investing in better refrigeration and developing a new range of products
- Hall for Cornwall, Truro – purchasing eco paints to use in the theatre
- Oghma Project Services, Trewidland, near Liskeard – collaborating with others to find new uses for reclaimed wood
- Hooper Graphics, Redruth – producing a website to promote a community environmental clean-up project
- Philip Sanderson Accountants, Bude – planting trees on a nearby piece of wasteland to offset their carbon outputs
- Atlantic Brewery, Newquay – changing a fermenting vessel to reduce energy use and save long term costs
- Trenython Hotel near Fowey – purchasing a bio-composter
- Computoz Systems, Bude – investing in a community allotment
Steve Mobbs from Bude Meat Supply said: “Without the impetus that I’ve gained from being involved with the Green Foundation, I don’t think I’d have gained the extra enthusiasm. It has had a very positive effect on not just myself and the business, but also my farmer’s business and the sustainability of a rare breed product, as well as the sourcing of local produce.”
Tom Stevens, Green Foundation project manager, said: “We started Green Foundation because we know, from our own work, how complex issues around sustainability can be.
“Reducing carbon emissions and resource use, coming up with greener products and services, and motivating staff to think about new ways of doing business can help companies stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market.
“With the start of 2011, now’s a great time to take on the Green Foundation challenge of incorporating sustainability into businesses’ operations while gaining a competitive advantage in the process.”
Green Foundation is a ten-day programme spread across three months and will be running every fortnight until September 2011.
