Frequently Asked Questions
About the Project
Who is involved in delivering the project?
The project is managed by the London Environment Centre (LEC) part of London Metropolitan University. It is delivered by a partnership made up of the LEC, Greenwich Environmental Management Systems (GEMS), London Remade, Centre for Environment and Safety Management for Business (CESMB) - part of Middlesex University - and Groundwork West London.
Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Why has the project been set up?
To provide tailored environmental support and advice to small and medium sized businesses in the Objective 2 area of London. In doing so, the project will not only improve the environmental performance of these businesses, it will also make them more efficient and therefore more competitive.
Who do I contact to find out more?
A team of five local partner organisations is delivering the project. The organisation that you will work with will be determined by where you are based and the kind of work you do. Call 020 7320 2302 or email lec@londonmet.ac.uk to find out more.
About the support available
Participants will be eligible for up to five days of environmental support, worth up to £600 per day. However, many smaller businesses will not need this much support. Businesses that use the full five days may do so over a long period of time, and not all of the support needs to be based at the businesses premises.
What form does this support take?
Participating businesses will be assessed as to the level and type of assistance they need. This may include:
- Advice on how to cut costs by reducing waste production and energy use
- Advice on pollution prevention, risk reduction and emergency planning
- Advice on how to comply with environmental legislation
- Environmental advice for your employees
- Help with writing an Environmental Policy for your organisation
- Environmental Management support - help with achieving certification to the ISO 14001 Standard
- The opportunity to gain a Green Mark by demonstrating on-going improvement, thus enabling the business to promote a "green" brand
How do I find out whether I am eligible for support?
The easiest way is to visit the objective 2 postcode checker or you can contact the project team on 020 7320 2302.
What are the benefits to my business of getting involved in the project?
There are many benefits to improving your environmental performance. These include:
- To satisfy supply chain pressures
- Avoid costs associated with non-compliance with legislation
- To improve staff morale
- To improve or maintain your company's reputation
I am not eligible for free support through the project but I would still appreciate some environmental advice for my company. What should I do?
Contact the Business Environmental Efficiency team on 020-7320-2302. They may be able to advise you of similar schemes or direct you to other organisations that may be able to help. Green Mark is available commercially for businesses that are not eligible for free support.
About Green Mark
What is the Green Mark award scheme?
Green Mark is an innovative award scheme for business. It acknowledges environmental improvements by companies and helps them to promote a "green" image.
How long has it been established?
The first Green Mark level 1 awards were presented in July 2003. Since then nearly 40 companies have gone on to receive a Green Mark Award. Over the next 2 years we expect about 200 companies in London to have the award.
Why should I want one?
Green Mark is independently audited. The benefits of a Green Mark include increased market advantage and the ability to demonstrate compliance with legislation. To find out how Green Mark has benefited participating companies, visit our case studies.
What do I need to do to get one?
There are 4 main requirements for Green Mark level 1. These are:
- Demonstrate compliance with key pieces of environmental legislation
- Demonstrate good environmental practise in 5 key areas
- Raise awareness of the environment within your organisation
- Write an Environmental Policy
However, your Environmental Business Advisor will be on hand to help you with all of these, and you are not expected to work alone.
How long would this take?
The amount of time it takes to achieve Green Mark Level 1 varies from business to business. However, companies which are already taking steps to improve their environmental performance can be ready for Level 1 from two weeks after their first visit with an environmental adviser.
How long does it last?
Your Green Mark certificate is valid for one year from the day you receive it. In order to retain your Green Mark you need to pass an annual reassessment. Currently, this can be done for free through the project, but you should be aware that you might have to pay for it in the future.
I would like some environmental support but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to getting a Green Mark. Is this OK?
Yes. It is possible to receive support through the scheme without going for a Green Mark award.
About environmental support
What grants are available to help me improve my company's environmental performance?
Our Business Advisors keep up to date with all the grants and other support that may be available to companies. The type of grants that are available vary from area to area and change periodically, but may include financial assistance with insulating buildings, installing solar panels or converting a vehicle to a green fuel.
Can you advise on upcoming legislation that may affect my business?
Yes. There is now so much environmental legislation that it can be confusing to small businesses, and our Environmental Advisors are experienced in presenting complex legislation in easy-to-understand terms.
I am a small business and am far too busy to think about the environment! How can you help me?
Many of the businesses we work with think that they are too busy to think about the environment, as they see it as an 'add on' and an extra think to worry about. However by improving business efficiency you are also helping the environment, so we focus on solutions that help your business too. Similarly, reducing your risks of pollution potentially save time and money in the future, and protect your business from bad PR.
Can the project provide me with technical advice and support?
Yes. One of the main aims of the project is to encourage the uptake of innovative approaches to sustainability. A practical way of achieving this is by making your business more efficient through the use of new technology. Our staff keep up to date with the latest developments and can carry out research on your behalf.
What is the Mayor's Green Procurement code?
The aim of the Mayor's Code is to help organisations to identify opportunities to recycle waste and/or buy products manufactured from recycled materials.
The initiative has been very successful and participants include all 33 of the London Local Authorities; a wide range of key players from the private sector, including well known high street names in the retail, construction, banking and IT/telecommunications industries; and representatives of the community sector.
What are the advantages of signing up to the Mayor's Green Procurement code?
Signing up to the Mayor's Green Procurement Code is FREE and will allow your organisation to access our Brokerage service. We are able to help you develop environmentally beneficial policies, set targets and access information about the providers and services of recycled content products. We can also help you with cost comparisons to ensure you get a competitive quote.
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