'Go Green' boost for borough businesses

12.17.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

• A NEW initiative to help businesses in the borough boost their environmental performance is being launched by Richmond Council.

'Go Green Richmond upon Thames' will provide a helping hand for companies to enable them to reduce their environmental impacts. They'll receive information and support to realise energy savings, waste minimisation, water efficiency, sustainable travel, green purchasing and financial savings. Businesses will receive free environmental reviews, advice on reducing their environmental impact and the opportunity to attend workshops and training on sustainability issues. Those that improve their environmental performance will be rewarded with accreditation status across three tiers - Merit, Advanced and Exceptional - to display their green credentials.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "We all have a role to play in reducing our environmental impact and this exciting scheme will really help businesses play their part. Being more energy-efficient can have many benefits for businesses such as improving competitiveness, motivating and attracting staff and reaping substantial savings along with huge environmental advantages too. Sustainability is at the heart of everything this council does and I strongly urge local businesses to take this opportunity to sign up and so join us in going green."