Commonwealth games flies flag for resources

Glasgow airport and the SECC are among the first companies to sign up to a new voluntary scheme aimed at boosting resource efficiency backed by Glasgow 2014

Launched by Zero Waste Scotland yesterday (23 April), the “Resource efficiency pledge” aims to encourage Scottish businesses to take actions that will cut energy, water and materials use.

The scheme asks firms to pledge to take between three and six actions over 12 months to become more resource efficient. These can focus, for example, on improving business processes, engaging staff or shifting practices in their supply chains.

Zero Waste Scotland highlights some of the specific actions that firms can take to improve resource efficiency, including achieving certification to ISO 14001, cutting business travel, reducing water use by 5%, working with nearby firms to procure waste management services and holding a resource efficiency day.

The pledge has been officially backed by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and one of its largest venues, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), has signed up to the pledge.

The SECC will be hosting events including gymnastics, boxing and netball, has pledged to improve its recycling rates and energy efficiency, as well as working to engage staff on using resources more efficiently.

“The pledge will provide the inspiration and motivation to enhance our environmental performance in what is a competitive and challenging business,” said Alan Cuggy, safety, health and environmental manager for the SECC.

Scottish environment secretary Richard Lochhead described the pledge as “an excellent scheme”, sayingit can help businesses across Scotland save money while reducing their environmental impact.

“Simple changes like switching off equipment not being used and redesigning products can save Scotland a staggering £2.9 billion every year. It’s hugely encouraging that large businesses like the SECC and Glasgow Airport have already made the resource efficiency pledge and I would encourage firms of all sizes throughout the country to sign up,” said Lochhead.

More than 70 firms have already signed up to the pledge (pledge.resourceefficientscotland.com) and will receive a bronze certificate if they complete their actions within 12 months. Companies can then go on to gain silver, gold and platinum certificates by successfully completing subsequent pledges.

Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Our resource efficient Scotland team can provide expert advice to any business, no matter how big or small, to help firms reduce energy, water and raw material costs and the pledge is a great way to show customers and partners that your business is environmentally responsible.”