A Suffolk-based brewery, which is behind the UK’s first zero carbon bottled beer, is showing other small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the benefits of going green.
Adnams of Southwold is one of three SMEs to have taken part in a new Government-backed film entitled ‘Low Carbon, High Potential’, which is being launched ahead of the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, next month. The 10-minute film aims to show the opportunities open to UK SMEs of moving to a low carbon economy.
Adnams, which spends around £800,000 on its energy bills a year, has embraced low carbon practices. It has in place an eco-distribution centre, an energy-efficient brew house and a lightweight bottle that reduces transportation fuel requirements. In its effort to be greener as a company, it’s even launched a carbon neutral beer, East Green.
Commenting on the company’s involvement in the film, Adnams’ managing director, Andy Wood, said: “At Adnams, we have transformed ourselves into a low carbon business, which brings huge benefits to our organisation, both in money savings, brand reputation and employee engagement. I was delighted to be in a film that encourages other businesses to do the same. Every business can make a difference.”
The film is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Energy and Climate Change, The Prince’s Mayday Network, the UK's largest movement of businesses and organisations committed to collectively taking action on climate change, The Carbon Trust, The Prince of Wales’ Corporate Leaders’ Group on Climate Change and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
As well as Adnams, the film features interviews with two other SMEs – 4energy and Continental Clothing Co – and two large corporates, Kingfisher, and Lloyds Banking Group, Wholesale. Each explain the steps they have taken to reduce their climate impact, why they chose to do it, and the benefits they have received in doing so.
The ceo of Kingfisher, Ian Cheshire, comments in the film: “Greening our business has made us more efficient and the move towards a low carbon economy represents a terrific opportunity for SMEs over the next five to 10 years.”
As well hoping to inspire SMEs to take action, the film also encourages SMEs to sign up to The Copenhagen Communiqué ( www.copenhagencommunique.com). The Communiqué, which has already secured the support of over 800 companies in over 60 countries, sets out the business case for an effective and equitable UN climate framework.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Copenhagen is a real business opportunity for Britain. This video shows that going low carbon is not just something for big corporations, but that it is something that can open up new markets, create jobs and present cost saving opportunities to business of all shapes and sizes right here in the UK. That’s why we’ll be pushing for an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen – to help fast-track these opportunities for the benefit of UK business.”
“We hope that the film will help companies of all sizes to better understand the positive carbon and economic impacts that a deal at Copenhagen could have,” added Michael Rea, the Carbon Trust’s chief operating officer.
The film is being distributed through a number of UK business networks and websites, including
GreenWise, and key business organisations such as BusinessLink, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the UK Chambers of Commerce. It is also being be premiered at a regional level at the launch of Mayday Network East for businesses in the East of England today.
Katie Webber, Business in the Community’s Mayday director, said: “The Prince's Mayday Network is all about leadership from and collaboration between businesses. The Mayday Network offers a range of practical support to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions.”
To watch the film go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YjIAqc8opY