Category Archives: Environment News

Awards, Environment News, Highlands, News, Scotland, Sustainability

Highland Hotel Lands Climate Change Action Award

Accolade follows global recognition

A family-run Inverness hotel has received a major Climate change Action award just days after being voted one of the greenest in the world.

The 4-Star Glen Mhor Hotel was judged winner in the Climate Action category at the sell-out Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards on Friday, which honours excellence in the hospitality sector.

The accolade comes on the back of its £8m on-site Sustainability Centre, Climate Action Plan and pioneering Fair Work policies securing a global award at the inaugural World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards in Belize.

Seeking to embed climate- friendly policies across its business model, Glen Mhor’s co-owners decided to build a ground-breaking Energy Centre in 2021 – the first of its kind in Scotland.

Using water from the River Ness for heating and energy, the centre removes 250 tonnes of carbon annually, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels across the 126-room site.

The innovation, supplemented by Solar PV systems, also powers the production of single highland malt whisky and craft beer at its Uile-heist Distillery and Brewery, incorporated on the site at the Glen Mhor.

The Distillery project was the first in Inverness in over 130 years, when it opened in February 2023, and a new quarter cask programme has been released to celebrate the revival of whisky production in the highland capital.

It was these innovations which secured the Climate Action Award from judges and the Glen Mhor will now progress to the Scottish Thistle Awards National final in November.

The hotel plans to be fully gas-free by the end of 2024 and all of its 146 employees now hold individual Green job titles.

Glen Mhor Hotel’s Victoria Erasmus clutches the Climate Action Award and Highland Ambassador Award at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards.

 

“It was very humbling to hear people in the industry acknowledging what we’ve done,” said Glen Mhor Co-Owner and Sustainability Director, Victoria Erasmus.

“When we set out to future-proof our business, with sustainability at the very heart of that, it was tough times. We were building an Energy Centre that hadn’t been built before, in a historic conservation area, as well as a Distillery and Brewery.

“The hospitality world was coping with rising costs, rising energy bills and taxes.

“There were so, so many reasons not to do it but we managed to see it through.

“It was lovely to receive the award and the acknowledgement from our peers within the industry.”

The award ceremony was also a memorable and emotional occasion for Mrs Erasmus, on a personal level, as she landed the Highland Ambassador award for her advocacy for the region on both the domestic and international stage.

“It was a total surprise and it means so much to me,” she said. “I feel very honoured and proud for our teams.”

—

Image credit: Heartland Media/PR

Environment News

Everything You Should Know About Pigeon Proofing Your Solar Panels

Installing solar panels on your property is a huge investment. It helps you minimise your energy bill while reducing the strain on Mother Earth. While it is a great way to generate electricity, having solar panels also invites unwanted guests to your home: pigeons. Pigeons love nesting under solar panels, which is terrible for your system. Here is everything you should know about pigeon proofing the panels safely!

Why You Need to Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

Pigeon proofing works wonders in enhancing the solar panels’ effectiveness. When birds nest on the panels, they leave droppings and debris behind. This makes it difficult for the panels to reach their full potential.

Besides the reduced effectiveness, the droppings may corrode the panels (they contain high amounts of acid) and pose a fire hazard to the panels and the entire property. If you want to prolong the panels’ lifespan while enjoying their full benefits, pigeon proofing is your best shot.

How to Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

Use a Bird Mesh

A solar panel bird mesh works by providing a barrier around the panels. It is among the most successful and discreet methods for bird proofing. The mesh will seal the area underneath the panels without blocking the ventilation.

Bird netting is the perfect alternative to the bird mesh, as its mechanics are the same. They all prevent pigeons nesting under solar panels.

Install Spikes on the Roof

Bird spikes are a great option for preventing pigeons from nesting on or near the panels. These spikes come in different sizes and materials and work by pricking the birds upon contact. The pain caused to the birds is small but significant; thus, it is very safe for them. It is a gentle reminder to the birds not to perch in that area.

Get an Automated Bird Deterrent System

The automated bird deterrent systems produce light and sound to repel pigeons and other flying animals. The sound deterrent systems emit sounds, while the visual options emit light that scares the birds off. Both solar panels pigeon proofing options are safe and effective.

Clean Your Solar Panels Regularly

Regular cleaning removes the bird’s droppings and debris from the panels. It works effectively in reducing the risk of solar panel damage and corrosion. Additionally, it deters birds from nesting underneath the area and is regularly kept clear. A pigeon will not keep coming back if its nest is damaged multiple times.

Besides cleaning the solar panels, ensure that the trees and bushes nearby are well-trimmed. This minimises the likelihood of critters, pigeons, and other birds from accessing the panels.

Conclusion

Pigeon proofing your solar panels is vital in maintaining the panels’ functionality and appeal for years to come. With birds off the system, the panels tap in more sunlight, thus generating more electricity. Even better, you prevent expensive maintenance fees that come with cleaning birds’ droppings and debris. As you can see, there are many ways to go around pigeon proofing, all of which are safe for the birds. Get a professional today and determine the best methods for your roof and solar panels!

Environment, Environment News, News, Waste and Recycling

A2B Radio Cars paves the way in litter picking initiative

Birmingham’s biggest private hire operator, A2B Radio Cars, is setting an example for keeping the streets clean. In a bid to tackle cleanliness in the Midlands, the organisation has donated £1000 to Clean & Green voluntary community group and have co-hosted a community litter pick.

A2B Radio Cars, a regional brand of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform Veezu, gathered a team of volunteers from their staff to litter-pick across the Smith’s Wood area of North Solihull with eight volunteers from Clean & Green on Thursday 16 November.

Clean & Green, founded by Paul ‘Pablo’ Sultana in 2016, is the largest litter-picking group in North Solihull, boasting a cohort of around 1,110 volunteers. Alongside the physical impact the group have had on the environment, they pride themselves on the impact they are having on attitudes towards littering.

Based on a council estimate that it costs approximately £50 in resources for every bag of litter that is removed from our streets, Thursday’s pick of 35 bags saved the council the equivalent of £1,750.

To combat the perception that taxi drivers were notorious for littering in the area, volunteers from A2B Radio Cars took the opportunity to become more involved with the community and show their support for the local area by joining the litter-pick. Their donation will also support Clean & Green’s community and environmental initiatives going forward.

 

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for A2B Radio Cars, said: “The work of the volunteers of Clean & Green is hugely admirable in dedicating so much of their time to better their community. Their commitment and sense of responsibility is infectious and goes a long way towards encouraging others to do the same. We are keen to grow our partnership with Clean & Green and further support their efforts.”

 

Lee Browning, a leader at Clean & Green and councillor for Kingshurst, Solihull, said: “With the generous £1000 donation, we will invest in more equipment. This will include replacing boots, trousers and gloves for protection in woodland areas, and buying a supply of gloves and high vis jackets for existing and future volunteers. Any remaining funds will go towards a free community fundraiser we’re hosting on Saturday 16 December at our local church and community centre.”

 

Paul Sultana, founder of Clean & Green, said: “North Solihull is more deprived compared to Central and South Solihull which is much more affluent. There are high levels of unemployment here and we recognise the need for more resources which we just don’t have access to. It is great to have a national business like Veezu recognising the need for support in this area of Solihull, which is often overlooked.

“With their enthusiastic volunteers and generous donation, Veezu is setting the example for how any company, regardless of size or industry, can get involved in community work and support their local area.”

Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Environment, Environment News, Marketing & PR, Marketing and PR, Marketing, PR and SEO, News from Wales, PR and SEO, Sport, Wales, Wales News

Welsh Business MSS Group Partners With Cardiff Rugby

RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, and its Cardiff-based environmental services company MSS Group are partnering with Cardiff Rugby to use their expertise to help the club achieve its sustainability goals. And the partnership already has players like utility forward Josh Turnbull and flanker Ellis Jenkins talking about their own sustainability goals.

RSK and MSS Group, both principal partners and shirt sponsors, and another RSK environmental business, Nature Positive, will work with Cardiff Rugby to help the club evaluate and reduce its environmental impact by examining a range of factors including team and supporter travel to matches, recycling and food and beverage packaging, waste management along with examining sustainable energy options such solar power.

RSK Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “RSK is an enthusiastic supporter of sport, and like MSS, which has been supporting the club for more than a decade, we’re looking forward to working together to take our relationship beyond the rugby pitch. We know how passionate Cardiff Rugby is about its commitment to its community. Through the Cardiff Blue Community Foundation, it uses the power and values of sport to inspire, engage and improve opportunities for communities. The environmental impact of all we do, and the choices that we make, affect all of us and we hope to work with the club and the foundation to talk about how we can all make a difference every day.”

Cardiff players Josh Turnbull and Ellis Jenkins prioritise sustainability in their own lives and said they hope to learn more from RSK.

Josh said: “I’m quite environmentally conscious and I’m very aware of things like single-use plastic, staying away from that wherever possible, and teaching my kids good habits around recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. It’s something I’ve become more and more aware of with the increasing exposure of the climate crisis, how much plastic there is in the oceans and things like that. Ultimately, we want this planet to be here for a very long time after us for our kids, their kids and so on. The more sustainable and responsible we can be in all areas of life the longer we will have this planet.

“We’ve had an environmental committee and as a playing group, we are very aware of the challenges and are always driving to be more sustainable in our environment. I was at Glastonbury recently and it was quite an eye opener in terms of how much recycling there is available, the way tents are recycled and turned into flags, sculptures made from recycled products.”

He added: “RSK is clearly driving the standards of sustainability and as a club, we want to be part of that. If they can help us drive those standards, collaborate and work with other partners to be more sustainable, then that is brilliant.”

Ellis agreed, saying: “I have always been passionate about the environment and sustainability, so it is great to see the club continue their partnership with MSS Group, and now their parent company RSK, who is such a major player within that space.

“We already have many sponsors and suppliers who promote sustainability, whether someone like Octopus Energy or our waste management company, so it is great to bring all of this together and take it to a new level with RSK coming on board.

“Personally, I am also trying to make small changes like only buying locally sourced meat to ensure it is farmed responsibly and the food miles are as low as possible. I am really excited to see how this partnership develops in the coming years and how much difference we can all make. Having RSK on board will not only help make us more sustainable as a club but educate us in ways we can all improve our lifestyles to reduce our footprint on the planet.”

Jonathan James, MD at the MSS Group, added, “I am delighted that MSS and the RSK family are continuing our partnership with Cardiff Rugby. We know first-hand the positive influence that the team has on the Cardiff community and South Wales, and I am excited to see the wider effect our collaboration on this important sustainability project will have.”

Construction, Environment, Environment News, Sustainability

Welsh holiday resort paves the way by turning nappies into paths in world first

Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, has become the first company in the world to utilise nappy recycling technology in the construction of infrastructure for its new range of Platinum Lodges, using 60,000 disposable nappies.

With an accumulation of up to half a million nappies at the resort each year, the Green Key accredited business decided to explore ways to recover the usable fibres from nappies and put them back into the resort as part of its commitment to a circular economy on site.

The ‘path project’ is the company’s latest innovation where recyclable materials from nappies are used to form the paths leading to its new £24m platinum lodge range.

Bluestone collaborated with Wales-based company Nappicycle, who are pioneering the technology.

The nappies are cleansed before the useable fibres from the plastic are separated and used to reinforce the asphalt, replacing traditional materials typically.

Asphalt is the material used to create surfaces for roads and pavements and is usually transported in from Europe and beyond. While one hundred percent of the recovered plastic that comes from the nappies is recycled.

The team spearheading the process believe that this ground-breaking venture could also be widely adopted in roads across the UK to further reduce carbon emissions associated with laying and repairing roads and pavements.

 

Marten Lewis,  Director of sustainability at Bluestone, said: “Every year, around 140 million disposable nappies are binned in Wales – let alone across the UK. They’re a single-use plastic and, if landfilled, can take hundreds of years to degrade. Recovering and finding a new application for them has huge environmental benefits.

“Driving forward our ethos of a ‘Free Range Future’ is key for us, and what we’re doing here is a huge achievement in our steps towards our goal. The process not only reduces waste disposal but cuts overall carbon emissions, making for a more durable surface and creating sustainable jobs. And, no, there is no smell.”

In May 2023, Bluestone opened its first phase of the new Platinum Lodges to its guests, built using sustainable construction practices to meet the resort’s responsible business credentials. Along with features like air source heat pumps, each lodge also boasts a walkway made from 60,000 used nappies.

The 5* resort, which employs over 800 people and injects more than £7m a year to back into the Welsh economy, has been paving the way for a more sustainable future since opening in 2008. They’ve planted close to one million plants and trees, send 8000 litres of cooking oil every year to be made into biodiesel, and are building an 11-hectre solar farm to support the long-term viability of Bluestone.

A trio of Welsh suppliers came together to implement the path project at Bluestone, including SJ Roberts, the main contractors building the new lodges, GD Harries, the asphalt suppliers, along with spearheads of the nappy technology, Nappicycle.

Rob Poyer, Managing Director of Natural UK and NappiCycle, said: ” Our aim is to challenge ourselves and be disruptive in what we do in the recycling industry – and we found that the recoverable materials found in nappies creates long-lasting, and more durable, asphalt.

“It has been a pleasure to work with a company that takes sustainability as seriously as Bluestone, and while this project shows, once again, that waste can become a valuable resource, it also demonstrates the benefits of a collaborative approach. Creative working relationships like this will form a vital part of Wales’ progress toward Net Zero.”

 

Mr Lewis added: “We are incredibly proud to be leading the way in commercial recycling. Using products like the nappy-based asphalt, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint by diverting nappies from general waste and reducing the need to re-lay paths; saving money for the business and supporting the local green technology sector; and demonstrating how innovation and partnerships can help create a more sustainable future for Wales and beyond.”

You can read more about Bluestone’s commitment to sustainability here.

The first Platinum Lodges are open to the public now, and bookings can be made via Bluestone’s website: https://www.bluestonewales.com/resort.

Carbon Reduction, Climate Action, Environment, Environment News, News

UK’s largest steel manufacturer commits to meeting its carbon neutral goal five years earlier than national net-zero target

International steel producer, Tata Steel, has announced a new company ambition; a reduction of CO2 emissions, that will see the business become carbon neutral by 2045. This is five years ahead of the UK wide target of 2050, and will be achieved on a science based trajectory, enabling Building Systems UK (Tata Steel’s sustainable building systems provider) to supply building products to the construction sector that are carbon neutral.

The Welsh-based steelmaking company is renowned across the UK, and the rest of the world for its sustainable steel and building systems solutions. In its commitment to be as environmentally friendly as possible, Building Systems UK has also pledged to reduce all CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 as well.

 

Jo Evans, Managing Director of Building Systems UK says: “We recognise that today’s changing world is faced with a climate emergency, and the team in the UK is committed to providing a positive environmental legacy. 

“Businesses across a variety of industries will be looking to alter operations and improve supply chains to meet the 2050 carbon neutral goal from the Paris Agreement. We have proudly invested in and developed solutions, products and an ecosystem on our decarbonisation journey to reach this milestone as early as possible within our own industry. 

“Rising energy costs, sourcing materials, and supply chain issues are just a handful of issues that can respectively contribute to everyday businesses having higher CO2 outputs. It’s easy to kick the can down the road and wait to deal with this problem later, but the damage to the environment is irreparable, and businesses should urgently look at small changes they can make to commit to reaching a CO2 neutral target as early as possible,” concludes Jo.

 

Building Systems UK’s Shotton Works site in North Wales has been producing market-leading steel products for 125 years. Its decarbonisation goals are well in advance of the deadlines set by the Paris Agreement, which is testament to its innovative approach and practices. 

This announcement and pledge at the Welsh site includes four key themes of sustainable development:

  • Reducing the site’s carbon footprint by assessing the real carbon impact of operations
  • Developing and producing products and services that support sustainable operation within its industry, and its clients as a result
  • Protecting and expanding the biodiversity that co-exists on the site and nearby to the headquarters
  • Maximising the material efficiency and achieving zero onsite waste, by making sustainability schemes a priority 

 

Jo adds: “These themes encompass all areas of Shotton’s activities, giving us a clear focus for all our business decisions. There is no silver bullet when it comes to delivering a sustainable future; it’s only when the various aspects of mitigating climate change, supporting biodiversity and being a responsible manufacturer all come together that we can make a real difference.”

 

Environment, Environment News, Retail & E-commerce

6 Reasons Why Switching to Eco Shopping Bags Can Benefit Your Business

With the growing global consciousness of the importance of protecting the environment, both individuals and companies are taking deliberate steps to decrease their carbon footprint. A convenient and effective measure towards this end is adopting eco-friendly shopping bags. The article will elaborate on six reasons how such a switch can benefit your business.

1. Cost-effective

Despite the general perception among businesses that eco-friendly bags are costly, they are a more economical option in the long term than traditional plastic ones. This is attributed to their high durability, reusability, and capacity to be used multiple times. Additionally, the imposition of taxes by several governments on single-use plastic bags has made them less feasible for enterprises.

2. Brand awareness

Changing to eco bags can aid in enhancing brand awareness for your company. For example, you can print your business’s name, logo, and message on these bags, which will be visible to anyone who comes across them. This will increase brand awareness and demonstrate your dedication to sustainability, which can attract more environmentally aware customers. According to a survey conducted by the Advertising Specialty Institute, 85% of consumers have a favourable perception of firms that use promotional items such as eco-friendly shopping bags, which can help to improve brand loyalty and sales.

3. Increased customer loyalty

In today’s age, people are becoming more aware of ecological issues. By incorporating eco-shopping bags into your business operations, you can convey to your clients that you take your environmental responsibility seriously. This will help to build a loyal customer base, as people tend to align themselves with companies that share their values and beliefs. Additionally, when customers see that you are making an effort to reduce your carbon footprint, it can increase customer satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to return to your company, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

4. Versatile solution

By using environmentally-friendly bags, your business can showcase its sustainability dedication. For instance, a coffee shop could select a canvas eco bag with a printed coffee bean design to market its brand while also encouraging customers to adopt reusable bags. Furthermore, such bags can be used for multiple purposes apart from carrying groceries, including as promotional giveaways or gift bags for products. With the availability of numerous customizable options, companies can choose eco bags that align with their brand values and cater to their intended audience, making them adaptable and valuable.

5. Environmental benefits

Switching to eco-friendly bags offers numerous advantages. According to a United Nations Environment Programme study, over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans yearly, harming marine life and polluting our ecosystems. Using bags crafted from sustainable materials like cotton, jute, or recycled plastic can reduce non-renewable resource usage and minimize their carbon footprint. Implementing this solution in your business can reduce plastic pollution and support a sustainable future for the planet. Making this small change can significantly impact the environment and our planet’s future.

6. Compliance and regulations

Governments across the globe are enacting regulations to decrease the usage of single-use plastic bags, making it imperative for businesses to make the switch to eco bags to remain compliant with these rules and steer clear of any fines or penalties. Furthermore, this could showcase your company as a responsible entity that adheres to environmental regulations, which can positively influence your customers’ perception of your brand. By showing that you prioritize sustainability, you can foster a deeper connection with your customers, who are increasingly concerned about the impact of businesses on the environment.

Conclusion

To summarize, adopting eco-shopping bags can be advantageous for your business due to their cost-effectiveness, potential to promote your brand and foster customer loyalty, versatility, environmental benefits, and compliance with regulations. This switch to eco-friendly bags may seem small, but it can significantly affect building a sustainable future for our planet.

 

 

 

Environment, Environment News, News

4 Steps Towards a Greener and More Sustainable Business

As businesses worldwide strive to become more sustainable, it is increasingly important to consider the environmental impact of all aspects of your business and focus on becoming more eco-friendly. Small changes can make a big difference, from reducing paper usage to increasing energy efficiency. Here are four simple steps you can take towards creating a greener and more sustainable business.

 

Increase Energy Efficiency and Carbon Output Metrics for Your Business

The first step is to analyse your business’s current metrics regarding energy efficiency and carbon output. This involves assessing how much electricity, water, gas, etc., your business uses each year, as well as calculating the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from that usage. Once you have these figures, it will be easier to identify where energy and emissions can be reduced. After this assessment is complete, investigate ways to increase energy efficiency in areas such as lighting, heating/cooling systems, appliances, etc., and methods for reducing CO2 emissions.

 

Get Rid of Paper

Another great way to reduce your business’s environmental impact is by getting rid of paper whenever possible. This can include switching from printed documents or advertising materials to digital versions or using recycled paper if necessary. Encourage employees to use their own devices instead of printing documents that are only needed once or twice; this not only conserves trees but also saves money in the long run! Additionally, if you do need printed documents, make sure they are printed on both sides of the paper whenever possible.

 

Establish Rail Travel and a Cycling to Work Program

If your business requires employees to travel between offices or attend conferences/events regularly, then rail travel should be considered over air travel wherever possible due to its significantly lower carbon footprint; trains emit 75% less CO2 than planes per mile travelled. You could also introduce a cycling-to-work program that could save money on transport costs while providing numerous health benefits for employees who participate in it.

 

Encourage Employees to Work From Home

Finally, remote working has become increasingly popular, with many businesses offering employees the option of working from home one or two days each week (or even full-time!). Not only does this reduce transport costs, but it also reduces emissions from cars/buses/trains due to fewer people commuting each day.

For example, someone commuting from Poole to Bournemouth every day could have a better work-life balance if they worked from home, increasing job satisfaction and productivity levels. After all, even a fifteen-minute train journey every day can add up!

 

Becoming an environmentally friendly business isn’t just good for our planet; it will help save money in the long run too. Start implementing these strategies into your business’s operations now, and watch as your organisation flourishes.

 

Environment, Environment News, News

Following COP15, research finds only 14% of business leaders have committed to tackling biodiversity

As the UN COP15 Biodiversity Conference draws to a close with the UK government committing £29m to support developing countries in delivering the target to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030, new research reveals more than four in five (83%) business leaders agree that more could be done by business in the future to help biodiversity recover.

This is according to a new report from Ground Control, the biodiversity and land management business, which advocates for united action between all organisations, including business, to protect nature. The report also urges government to include business as part of its recovery strategy, and features research with 2000 business leaders and contributions from leading figures from the worlds of conservation, investment and business.

The difficulty is that individual or personal concern about biodiversity loss does not translate to action from business. While 82% of business leaders say biodiversity is personally very important to them, just 14% have implemented plans to make their land more biodiverse. The challenging economic environment, and the impact from the increased cost of living and energy prices on their business are all barriers for 65% of business leaders to do any more to support biodiversity recovery or climate change in the next 12 months.

At least half of global GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), yet business leaders are also less keen to commit to action in the future, despite the fact it could impact their business in the long-term. Just 20% of leaders will commit their business to supporting biodiversity in the future, while 26% have no interest in doing so, showing that more education is needed.

However, 84% of leaders agree that other big businesses have the resources including finance, innovation, people and time, to make a positive impact on biodiversity loss or climate change in the future. Less than a quarter (24%) of businesses are using their resources to take measured action to reduce climate change or build back biodiversity.

There is a clear need for business to do more to protect biodiversity. Over 300 businesses including H&M, Sainsbury’s and Nestle have urged world leaders to mandate that businesses report their impact on nature, at COP15. However the government’s recently launched roadmap to protect nature makes barely any mention of business at all.

In the UK just 53% of our natural wildlife and fauna is left from before the industrial revolution and Britain now sits in the bottom 10 percent of countries globally for biodiversity, according to the Natural History Museum. The wider global picture is not much better. Globally biodiversity now stands at 75% of preindustrial levels, well below the 90% average considered to be the safe limit to maintain important ecological processes vital for human life and the decline of ecosystems costs the global economy an estimated $5 trillion each year in lost natural services.

Despite this, within the last three years the COP15 summit has been delayed three times and has received little to no attention compared to its conferences on sustainability, COP27, seemingly ignorant to biodiversity’s importance to the environment.

Jason Knights, MD of Ground Control said: “Business must play a greater role in tackling biodiversity loss and unite alongside other organisations in the fight to recover nature. We are all equally responsible for tackling the urgent crisis that is biodiversity loss and we cannot separate the responsibility that government, individuals, organisations and businesses have in our communities.

“Government also must do more to include business as part of the solution to biodiversity loss. The collective resources, innovation and budget that sits within business is enormously powerful. Business can – and should – contribute to nature recovery not only because it is part of our collective responsibility to the planet, but also because it makes long-term economic sense to prevent nature’s breakdown.”

Iggy Bassi, Founder & CEO, Cervest added: “It still shocks me how often billion dollar companies have no sense of what’s going to happen to the physical world that their assets operate in. If we can personalise the risks down to the asset level, the proximity of assets to physical hazards and how much value can they lose over time – that’s the quantitative language that business understands.”

What businesses are currently doing to combat climate change or biodiversity loss:
42% are using more sustainable products in production
26% are using more more sustainable methods in their supply chain
50% are reducing their energy consumption
27% are using more renewable energy
14% are making their land more biodiverse through rewilding
12% are investing in biodiversity projects undertaken by third parties
25% are using staff to volunteer in the community on local sustainability projects
23% are undertaking other environmental strategies

—
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2003 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd – 17th October 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of British business size.

Expert contributions were sourced during an invite-only roundtable dinner in November 2022 convening leading experts from industry at The Wellcome Trust in London.

Environment, Environment News, News

Scientific study validates field-based method of measuring oil contamination

~ Field-based non-dispersive infra-red spectroscopy instrument produces results that were previously only possible using lab-based techniques ~

A new scientific report by Concawe, which reviewed field-based and lab-based methods of analysing oil-contaminated soils, determined that the InfraCal 2 ATR-SP total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) analyser is an effective instrument for measuring oil contamination of soil and water. The review showed that the InfraCal 2 performs well for the detection and quantification of TPH between 100 and 10,000 mg kg-1, independent of soil type and fuel type. This allows operators to conduct in-depth sample analysis in the field, meaning they can accurately identify hydrocarbon levels without relying on outsourcing to commercial laboratories.

Historically, measuring oil contamination in soils was done using a combination of non-specific field-based screening tests and specific lab-based fingerprint studies, carried out off-site by a commercial laboratory partner using certified techniques. While the lab-based techniques, such as gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, provide in-depth data into hydrocarbon speciation and offer high accuracy and precision, they are generally expensive and time-consuming compared to on-site analysis. However, despite the drawbacks of lab-based techniques, they have been necessary, until now, because field-based techniques could not provide specific data on hydrocarbon speciation and, instead, only provided insight into hydrocarbon concentration hotspots.

Concawe’s report confirmed the InfraCal 2, which is a non-dispersive infra-red spectroscopy instrument, is a versatile, fast and easy-to-use instrument for conducting on-site analysis of oil contaminants. For example, it demonstrated how the InfraCal 2 can accurately perform TPH determination of hydrocarbons in five to ten minutes, significantly faster than lab-based GC-MS.

“Developing field-based instruments that compete with lab-based techniques for analysing oil-contaminated soils has been a major industry focus for some time,” explained Paul Vanden Branden, director and product manager at SciMed, the UK’s largest distributor of scientific instrumentation. “For an instrument to be highlighted in a scientific review for performing analysis to a standard that was previously only possible using lab-based techniques reassures businesses that modern field-based instruments are up to the job.

“Using the InfraCal 2 to conduct TPH analysis on site without outsourcing further analysis to commercial labs will save businesses time and money without sacrificing results. Furthermore, it will help companies lower their carbon footprints as it will cut down on sample transportation requirements and minimise the use of harmful chemicals,” concluded Vanden Branden.

To speak to one of SciMed’s team about how the Infracal can help you in your application, visit https://www.scimed.co.uk/.