The environment and reducing our impact on it has been an increasing focus over the past 12 months. Businesses of any size are looking at the benefits of having environmental policies and initiatives in place.

Aside from the fact that all businesses have an increasing responsibility to the environment and using resources wisely, there are many other benefits to reducing a business's impact.

Any initiatives that are cost-saving are bound to be more popular due to the current economic climate, as well as any that have been forced up the agenda due to the need to comply with government legislation and taxes.

Waste
Waste is a focus for everyone with increasing landfill taxes, government legislation and directives centering around reducing waste.

Following recent legislation such as the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste, the UK government has devised a waste strategy with targets which place more emphasis on waste reduction and enforcing it through, for example, higher taxes on waste.

More businesses are making provision for recycling and encouraging employees to reduce waste and use the services provided. Simple measures such as encouraging the use of double-sided printing, scrap paper for notemaking and establishing a wormery or composter for the disposal of food waste all go a long way to minimise the volume of waste sent to landfill.

Many organisations have been established specifically to help businesses recycle or reuse their waste. For example, old electrical equipment such as computers, mobile phones, toners and printer cartridges can be recycled through retailers, suppliers and charities such as Oxfam. It is now also easy to recycle furniture by donating it to organisations such as the Furniture Reuse Network, which redistribute unwanted furniture and white goods to people who need them.

As people realise the opportunities associated with waste, more companies are being established whose sole purpose is to manage other people's waste.

Energy saving
Energy saving is bound to be an area that homes and businesses will be focusing on more over the next 12 months, not just down to the environmental benefits but also to the cost savings that can be reaped.

A draft EU regulation regarding eco-design requirements for standby and off mode electric power consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment (a lengthy title!) is due to be passed by the end of this year. This will set energy efficiency standards for office equipment when on standby or off mode, so expect to see a greater range of energy-saving products.

Many organisations have been established specifically to help businesses recycle or reuse their waste. For example, old electrical equipment such as computers, mobile phones, toners and printer cartridges can be recycled through retailers, suppliers and charities such as Oxfam

Currently available on the market are Energy Star printers, scanners and all-in-one devices (www.energystar.gov). These products tend to be, on average, 25% more energy efficient than other devices. Also look out for energy plug systems now available, there are different levels of sophistication to these devices. Some are simply plugs that you remotely switch off so they don't use any energy when they are in standby; others ones that you can remotely control and also monitor energy usage. It is worthwhile investing in energy-saving bulbs for lighting as again the energy savings and cost savings are instant.

Water-use reduction
Water-use reduction is another key emerging area where businesses can save money while saving the environment. Business will inevitably bear the additional costs associated with disruptions in water supply, more stringent and expensive government regulation, and the increased infrastructure required to source and treat water.

Significant savings can be made by more stringent monitoring of water use, ensuring you do fill the kettle up only for the amount of water needed to make the tea in office, ensuring all water supplies are turned off when not in use and insulating pipes against extreme cold. It is also worth considering investment in water collection initiatives, using rain water collected from the roofs of buildings to wash vehicles, or even just having a water butt to collect water for re-use.

Added benefits
It is worthwhile noting the other benefits of taking part in initiatives such as donation of unwanted items to good causes or environmental initiatives. Customers are more and more interested in dealing with companies that show themselves to be taking their responsibility seriously. For any initiatives you are involved in make sure you spread the word: get in touch with your local or industry press, have a page on your website dedicated to what you are doing and let your customers know in your next newsletter/communication.

Raw materials and resources are becoming more scarce and business can take a proactive approach to ensure that the impacts are reduced. It is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes as there are increasing pressures on those resources leading to rising costs and further action from government (including the introduction of taxes and penalties for non compliance). By implementing even small changes your organisation can assist in reducing the impact and see significant benefits.

Sarah Dimmer is environmental communications specialist at Viking Direct. For more information visit www.vikingdirect.co.uk