Businesses could cut at least 15% from their energy bills by following cheap and easy guidelines, Green reps were told at a conference in Cheltenham.
 
Mike Brain (pictured right) from Severn Wye Energy Agency told delegates to the South West TUC’s Green Workplaces Project event on February 23rd, he was amazed at how companies failed to scrutinise their electricity and gas bills.
 
“They pay them without blinking an eyelid,” he said. “You tell me in what other area of business that would happen. You wouldn’t accept an invoice from someone delivering an estimated number of goods, so why would you pay an estimated bill without checking it first?”
 
This was just one of the tips given by Mike during the event, which was attended by a dozen people representing different companies from Gloucestershire.
 
Other tips include looking at how and when you light and heat your business premises, installing smart metering, dusting your lights and ensuring you make the most of your computer’s energy-saving settings.
 
“A screen saver is not the same as an energy saver,” Mike warned.
 
“It’s easy for businesses to save money. In fact there are many no- or low-cost ways that would lead to as much as a 15% reduction in energy costs.
 
“Once businesses realise there are financial savings to be made as well as energy savings, they’re more likely to have senior management buy-in.
 
“And that’s why trade unions are vital. They are the voice of the workers and they are able to relate that voice to management in a positive way, helping them identify simple ways to make a real difference, both to their employer’s energy use and their budget.”

All pictures Clint Randall, Web: www.pixelprphotography.co.uk

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Staff at Bristol City Council are being encouraged to help turn their offices green by working with their new union green reps.
 
Issues that they want to tackle include promoting eco-driving to staff at the council and standardising office waste recycling arrangements.
 
Trade union reps have signed an agreement with their employers to deliver environmental policies to help the council reduce its carbon footprint. The agreement is a success for the South West TUC’s Green Workplaces Project, which has been advising, supporting and training green reps throughout the region.

Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, said: “As part of a just transition to a low carbon economy it’s vital we ensure existing workplaces operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
“The city council has taken a lead role in showing how trade unions and management can work together to deliver environmental change.”

Steve Crawshaw, UNISON rep and chair of the council’s Green Reps Committee, said: “The council has already been working on environmental improvements but this is the first time the trade union role has been recognised.

“A key role for us is to communicate the need for the workforce to play its part in improving the environmental performance of the council. There is a massive amount of enthusiasm and knowledge among the green reps and the committee is looking forward to working with all employees in the council to bring this commitment and expertise to bear.”

Bristol City Council Leader Barbara Janke said: “Bristol City Council is committed to making Bristol a Green Capital and reducing our climate change impacts.  To do so we need the involvement of every employee and we see working with our staff trade unions as a critical part of achieving this.  I would encourage every organisation to work with their unions and the Green Workplaces Project.”

The South West TUC Green Workplaces Project is funded by the South West Regional Development Agency and works with Trade Union members across the Region advising, supporting and training them to enable them to champion environmental issues in the workplace.  More information about their work can be found at www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk. 

ends
 
Notes to editors:
 
Bristol Green Capital programme aims to accelerate the pace of change in Bristol’s economy and communities towards the low carbon future that will make Bristol a more sustainable, healthier, greener city. http://www.bristolgreencapital.org/
 
The South West TUC Green Workplaces Project offers FREE staff training.
For more information visit www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk  or call the Green Workplaces Team on 0117 947 0521.
 
Contacts:
Catherine Frankpitt, Press Officer, Bristol City Council – 0117 922 3463
 Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary, South West TUC – 0117 947 0521

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Green your workplace with help from the experts…your staff

• Venue: Watershed 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX
• Date: Wednesday 17 March 2010
• Time: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
• Cost: FREE, including lunch

When it comes to greening your workplace and improving your environmental performance the workforce is critical. Money saving from resource efficiency is something every organisation can benefit from.
» Event details
This half-day free event invites businesses to look at engaging with their workforce on resource efficiency and greening the workplace.
It will introduce you to Bristol case studies of workforce involvement and colleague to colleague engagement and ways in which your organisation can use the workforce to green your workplace.

Register online here

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