How to create a sustainable workplace
Follow these steps to give your space an eco makeover
Kate and Abi are proud that their workshop’s heating and lighting run on 100 per cent renewable energy. These eco-friendly resources include biomass heating and solar energy. ‘Our family has always been into the Green movement because we believe it is important for each of us to contribute to reducing our carbon footprint in whatever way we can,’ explains Abi.
The items Nafisi produces are all made from sustainable materials, so it makes sense that the production process is as sustainable as possible, too. Here’s how your business can follow Nafisi and do its bit to lower its footprint...
Invest in biomass boilers These boilers can save you money as well as helping to lower your property’s carbon emissions. They are very similar to the conventional gas boilers that you will be familiar with, providing a space with heating and hot water. The only difference is that instead of using gas (or oil) to produce the heat, they combust sustainably sourced wood pellets or other bio matter. ‘Most of our energy is covered by a clean and renewable energy source, which is our contribution to the planet,’ says Abi. The couple use the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) scheme to make this way of heating their space affordable. The scheme enables businesses to receive a government subsidy, based on the biomass boiler consumption.
go solar ‘We have photovoltaic solar panels that partly supply the electricity for our workshop,’ says Kate. ‘The solar energy covers our lighting and any electricity we don’t use goes back into the UK’S National Grid, contributing to its renewable electricity supply. Our family chose to make an investment in solar energy in 2012 because we believed it was the right way forward.’
get advice from the green growth
Platform group It offers members a unique package of business support, grants and finance advice, innovation and skills development, events and connections – all delivered by a team of industry experts, business advisers and university specialists. They help businesses to become greener by providing them with advice and support, recommending links, grants and connections that could benefit them. Find out more at brighton.ac.uk.
Be part of the Blue Patch community This is an online directory promoting UK designers and retailers in all their varieties – from ethical fashionistas and eco-furniture makers, to green gift sellers and fair trade food producers. It is a community of like-minded business owners who have sustainability at the core of what they do. Members can share advice, tips and knowledge with each other and come together to show the public that there are green alternatives available. Nafisi hopes to exhibit with them soon. They also have a Sustainable Business award to celebrate sustainable companies and highlight their work during London Design Week. Visit bluepatch.org.
The one lesson we’ve learnt... ‘in order to take a risk and be bold, you need to Have savings to back you up so you are free to say no to projects that don’t Have much scope for creativity’