Business
‘Nothing except for nature can transform the world as swiftly as can business – for better or for worse’
(Amy Larkin)
Businesses have the ability to drive positive change and support a healthier and more sustainable planet. Working to a more sustainable model will help your business to save money and plan for the future.
Below is a list of locally focussed tools, resources and projects that will help your business to operate more sustainably.
General Business Advice
The Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund to provide a free business support programme in the South East. Its aim is to help businesses become more competitive and profitable while protecting the environment and encouraging low carbon solutions.
Our Colchester is a business led partnership that will provide sustainable, consistent investment for Colchester and its businesses, delivering additional not replacement services.
Eco Essex Business is a Facebook group set up by ‘Eco Essex’ offering free support and advice for businesses.
Colchester LEAF located at 27 and Priory Walk, Colchester, CO1 1LG, opposite Sainsburys. If you are a local group or run an environmental project and are interested in having space at the Colchester LEAF let us know now by filling in this enquiry booking form.
Colchester Community Market is a ‘virtual’ market on Facebook showcasing independent makers, sellers and ‘eco’ friendly businesses. Connecting local people with independent retailers and makers in Colchester and the surrounding area (places with a CO postcode). They are encouraging all local businesses to use the market to promote local businesses.
Internet and mobile
Compare and select a more ethical / environmental friendly mobile phone network using ethical consumer
Compare and select a more ethical / environmental friendly mobile phone manufacturer using ethical consumer
Ecosia Search Engine Switch your companies search engines to an ethical search engine that runs on renewable energy and plants trees every time you search.
Finances
Friends of the Earth have written a guide on ethical finances; choose an ethical bank, pension and insurance provider and know which ones to avoid.
Investments, pensions and banking Information on ethical / green banking for your business is a huge way to support a sustainable planet, see the guide written by Ethical Consumer
Energy
If your company supplies green products / trades services, e.g. installs solar, heat pump sources etc, it is recommended to sign up to Trustmark, this is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. This is the website we recommend for finding local suppliers/ trades services.
Are you a local solar supplier or installer of solar? If you are, please register with Solar Together. Solar Together operate a bulk solar buying scheme to the public through local councils. Essex County Council is one of the Councils offering this service. Feedback suggests the installations are high quality and cheap due to the economies of scale. Schemes are currently suspended due to Coronavirus but you can still register as a buyer or an installer now. We recommend anyone thinking of installing solar panels to register now.
The Switch A helpful website to check if your energy provider is environmentally friendly and find greener alternatives.
Green energy providers ensure your business is operating on renewables, information of which energy company to go with can be found on either Money Supermarket or Ethical Consumer
Business Travel
Colchester Travel Plan Club are a network of businesses working collaboratively to incentivise, support and encourage their staff to use sustainable transport for the journey to work.
E-cargo bikes are available to Colchester based businesses. Find out more and get in touch with the council to see if your business can get involved.
Colchester E-cargo Bike Delivery Project offers delivery of goods & foods from local businesses by electric bike. Sign your business up and reduce congestion and pollution in Colchester.
Business Waste Reduction and Recycling
Refill help to reduce plastic pollution so why not list your business as a refill business, allowing people to fill up their re-useable water bottles at your shop/ business.
City to Sea have made a resource highlighting best practice when it comes to reusables in a cafe, hospitality setting.
Recycling for Businesses Colchester Borough Council operate a reliable and flexible recycling and waste collection service for Colchester businesses
Could you compost food waste at your business or collect rainwater for re-use? Get Composting and Anglian Water Direct offer discount compost bins and water butts for our area.
Terracycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling typically hard-to-recycle waste. As well as removing this waste stream from the general waste, the waste collected can earn rewards for your school or favourite non-profit.
Find your nearest Teracycle collector in Colchester on the en-form website.
Biodiversity
Colchester in Bloom, their mission is to generate community involvement in making Colchester town a more beautiful place to live and work and contribute towards social and economic vitality by using plants and flowers.
Take inspiration or purchase a green roof system from the Grass Roof Company located in Basildon. You can view their range of bike and bin shelters as a way to give your businesses an edge, encourage sustainable travel / recycling and support biodiversity. Could you go one step further and add a green roof to your building?