Go Green - Case Study - Putney Cycles

PUTNEY'S FIRST GREENING BUSINESS

Putney Cycles has become the first Putney business to sign up for a new Greening Business Project, run by southlondon.biz in partnership with Wandsworth Borough Council and funded by the London Development Agency. The project started in January this year and provides small businesses with practical advice and information on issues such as recycling and lowering energy usage, with the aim of lowering costs and environmental impact, plus improving image.

The company has already committed to recycling all cardboard and has low energy bulbs fitted in store. However, there was a recognition that more could be done. A visit was undertaken by a Greening Business Officer to discuss areas of particular concern to the business, including lowering water and energy usage further, plus introducing metal recycling.

The scheme is keen to promote both the cost effective and promotion benefits that going green can have. Dave Corrigan, Store Manager, estimates that 'by redirecting all of our cardboard from general waste to a separate recycling service, we save around £80 per month.' Furthermore 'green issues are an area that customers regularly ask about, I definitely feel that the improvements we have made so far have had a very positive effect on the business, both for staff and customers.'

An action plan is developed specific to the needs of the company, providing practical advice, information and referrals for the company. A nominal charge of £10 (inc. VAT) is charged on submission of the action plan, and small grants are available to help businesses take a step in the right direction. Mr. Corrigan goes onto say ‘the Go Green Business Project has helped us gain recognition and promote what we already do, and given us practical advice and information on how we can improve further.'

Contact Putney Cycles at www.putneycycles.com

For further information please contact southlondon.biz on 020 8947 0055 or email gogreen@southlondon.biz