Project: Parklife Environmental Business Management Programme

Training in environmental management tools and techniques to cut costs, improve environmental performance and generate new business.

‘On average, savings of up to 3% of total turnover are achievable year on year by implementing simple eco-efficiency initiatives.’ (Alex Steele, University of Gloucestershire)

The Parklife Environmental Business Management Programme is in its fourth phase. In each phase the programme works with approximately ten businesses to provide the necessary skills to understand environmental management tools and techniques though mix of training, group workshops, on-site sustainability reviews and practical hands-on advice. The current phase is based in Stonehouse, near Gloucester, and runs until April 2010. The next phase starts in May.

Project feature

The Parklife Environmental Business Management Programme is part of the Parklife project run by Gloucestershire First. Parklife started in the summer of 2008 and focuses on providing networking, advocacy, mentoring and support to businesses on some of Gloucestershire’s key business parks and industrial estates. The Parklife Environmental Business Management Programme started in July 2008 and provides training and support to enable businesses to take advantage of environmental management tools and techniques.

Tackling areas such as waste, energy, sustainable procurement and change management, the Parklife Environmental Business Management Programme suggests business can make annual savings of 3% on turnover. The programme also helps businesses develop sustainability and environmental policies, and assists them in the development of appropriate management systems for ISO14001 and BS8555 certification. The programme is made up of a mix of formal and informal training, consultancy, and practical hands-on advice, delivered over a period of six to seven months. So far, it has run in four phases based in Cheltenham, Cirencester and most recently in Stroud. The training is co-financed by ESF (European Social Fund) and LSC (Learning and Skills Council) while the consultancy element is funded by Cheltenham Borough Council, Stroud District Council and Cotswold District Council.

The training provision has evolved to match specific local demands and targets all levels of an organisation through a series of accredited and non-accredited modules. Comprehensive training is offered to key staff who are involved in the development of the businesses' environmental strategy and with implementing improvements. Awareness-raising sessions are provided for all other staff involved in making changes.

Omega Resource Group, based in Stonehouse, is a multi-award winning resource solution provider and is currently participating in the programme. Omega sees the programme as a way of reducing costs as well as its carbon footprint. As a result of the programme, Omega hopes to be ISO14001 accredited by the end of March 2010 and has introduced a number of environmental initiatives to reduce waste and energy use.

Amie Turner, QHSE (quality, health, safety and environment) manager at Omega, says: ‘The Parklife programme has shown us how to be more competitive and at the same time be recognised, through ISO14001, as an environmentally friendly company. This will do nothing but enhance our chances of securing more public sector contracts.’

A little down the road, Arc Energy Resources is also participating in the programme. Andrew Robinson, the environment and procurement manager, highlights the networking opportunities presented by Parklife and commented that ‘Parklife has allowed us to talk to other local businesses and share experiences about environmental support services – such as waste and heating. The programme has also made us think further about the advantages of recycling and the amount of waste we produce. Last year we reduced the amount of waste going to landfill by 50% – a saving of £1500.’

Most of the businesses Parklife has worked with are at the early stages of implementing environmental management systems that will help to unlock potential cost savings through better environmental performance. ESF-Works would be interested to hear your experiences and opinions of systems set up in other regions and examples of companies that have saved costs through better environmental management and improved resource efficiency.

Contact details

Shaz Siddiqui, Parklife Business Advocate
Gloucestershire First (Parklife)
Chargrove Business Centre, Main Road, Shurdington , Cheltenham Gloucestershire , GL51 4GA
(07790) 226875
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