Sustainable Business

Businesses have a major role to play in helping protect and enhance the environment.

Carbon Trust studies have shown that businesses that use energy and resources more efficiently are generally more profitable.

Not only that but firms with a low carbon footprint are more popular with consumers and employees alike. As a result more and more firms are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.

Energy efficiency can make a big difference: businesses can reduce their energy bills by up to 10% through no cost measures such as switching off lights and equipment when not in use.

There is a wealth of advice and funding available, both nationally and locally, to help businesses and public sector organisations save money through reducing their waste, energy and resource use.

Businesses should also be aware of how climate change could affect their business. Visit our pages on Preparing for climate changes for further information.

Low Carbon Oxford

Visit our Low Carbon Oxford page to find out how organisations from the public and private sector as well as community groups are being invited to sign up to a Charter for a ?Low Carbon Oxford? to mark their commitment and support for the initiative.

Trade/commercial waste recycling service

We offer a collections service for glass, paper, plastics, tins and cardboard from local businesses and traders for recycling. Visit our Commercial Recycling and Waste page for information on prices and contact details.

Organisations Offering Business Efficiency and Energy Advice

The Carbon Trust

The Carbon Trust provides a range of free information and guidance for businesses in the UK. If your combined energy bill is over £50,000 you could qualify for a free energy audit.

Energy Saving Trust

Visit the Business pages of the Energy Saving Trust website for information about saving energy in your organisation.

Oxford is My World

Visit the Business pages of our Oxford is My World website to register for our free business guide to 'Saving the Planet', sign the Business Climate Change Pledge and also view information on the latest business events.

Business Link

Business Link gives advice and information on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, targeted at to start-ups and businesses with less than 250 employees.

Business link in the South East provide free regional services for Business Link, such as the Sustainable Business and Innovation Service.

Thames Valley Energy Centre

The Thames Valley Energy Centre (TVEC) provides energy information and advice for the community, business, organisations and individuals within the Thames Valley region.

Environmental Information Exchange

The Oxford Brookes Environmental Information Exchange supports the environmental efforts of South East businesses and organisations.

UK Climate Impacts Programme

The UK Climate Impacts Programme, based at Oxford University, gives advice to Trade Associations and Professional Bodies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary Organisations on preparing for climate changes such as increased flooding and heat waves.

Oxfordshire County Council

Visit the Commercial Waste pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website for more information on reducing, reusing and recycling and to download a free Commercial Waste Reduction Pack.

Envirowise

Visit the Envirowise website for free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce the environmental impact of your business.

DEFRA

Visit the Business and the Environment pages of the DEFRA website for information about sustainable consumption and production, environmental reporting and management systems, new technologies and resource productivity.

Page last reviewed 29 March 2012