IEMA have released an extensive report that details the benefits to businesses if they choose to implement more stringent resource management.
'From Waste to Resource' calls for a "radical shake-up" of the resource management currently employed in most organisations, and have cited Defra, who estimates of £23bn savings available across the UK in exchange for a reduction on raw material waste and overall improvement on material use efficiency.
Tim Balcon, CEO of IEMA, notes in the foreword of the report that "all businesses can benefit - financially and reputationally - from heeding the recommendations made in this report." It goes on to state that in their survey of a wide range of businesses, that nearly two thirds of Small Medium Enterprises (SME's) that already have such measures and an Environmental and Sustainability Professional in place, are saving on average £5,000 a year.
Outlining their report as setting out opportunities and challenges for organisations to improve their sustainable resource management, and recognising the need for "strong leadership and strategy support", the report highlights the importance of proper training in the field, if companies wish to benefit from the potentially huge savings on offer.
Low or no cost actions
Defra estimates that 80% of the massive £23bn up for grabs in savings is from the efficient use of raw materials and minimising waste alone. IEMA are confident that the changes are "low or no cost" actions.
IEMA have praised the efforts of companies such as Unilever, who have developed a one-rinse detergent, as opposed to the traditional three-rinses, in a measure to cut the water waste of consumers using their products. Andrew Fletcher, Associate of IEMA (AIEMA), points out that such measures like developing new ranges of products are not the only option, especially for the smaller business: "Paper waste reduced from 29 to 16 tonnes, predominantly by working out printing restrictions, double siding and employee engagement." This is one of many simple measures, which has led to nearly 70% of SME's saving over £10,000 a year.
Increase income in business
To help businesses of all sizes see how they can lower waste and maximise resources, IEMA have developed a Resource Action Maturity Planner (RAMP) which is a review tool that allows the user to assess what can and needs to be done to increase resource management. The RAMP features tips on how to run waste cost into resource management opportunities, which will lead to "increased income across businesses."
Such numbers are greatly encouraging, and the potential to save £23bn per year in businesses in the UK is highly appealing. With the report newly published, hopefully it will only be a matter of time before the estimated savings can be realised, generating a much needed relief for the economy, particularly for the smaller businesses.
Further information about the report can be found here: 'From Waste to Resource'
For more information about IEMA, see their website: www.iema.net
