Category Archives: Environment

Environment, Environmental News, News, Sustainability

51% of UK businesses believe government support falls short in tackling environmental challenges

With profits getting squeezed and a suggested lack of government support, a sobering 47% of companies have had to cut back on sustainability initiatives in 2023 

Novuna Business Cash Flow, a leading provider of invoice finance solutions for SMEs in the UK, has conducted a comprehensive analysis surveying 500 SMEs on the state of sustainability in the business world. The findings shed light on the priorities taken by businesses when it comes to sustainability initiatives.

According to the study, an impressive 50% of senior decision makers at SMEs prioritise sustainability, recognising its importance for long-term success. However, the analysis also reveals that 26% of SMEs view sustainability as a low priority or have not considered it at all. Notably, medium-sized businesses with 50 to 249 employees are the most likely to prioritise sustainability, with a remarkable 65% acknowledging its significance. 

To protect their profits, an eye watering 47% of businesses have had to make cutbacks to their sustainability initiatives over the past 12 months. Of those, 16% have cut a few initiatives, 20% have scaled back on most initiatives, and an alarming 11% have eliminated all sustainability initiatives altogether. Unsurprisingly, out of all the SMEs, it was the small businesses with 10-49 employees that have had to make the most cutbacks (67%) when 64% of this size business stated that sustainability was a priority.

The analysis also investigated the perception of government support for businesses in reducing their climate impact. The results indicate that 51% of SMEs believe there is not enough government support. Within the group that perceives sufficient support, a noteworthy 20% of SMEs feel  there is more than enough. Medium-sized businesses (50-249 employees) are the most likely to agree that there is enough government support (59%), while sole traders are the least likely (35%).

John Atkinson, the Head of Commercial Business at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented on the research, saying, “The findings of our analysis highlight the complex landscape of sustainability in the business world. It is encouraging to see that a significant number of SMEs prioritise sustainability, recognising its importance for future growth. However, the cutbacks made by many businesses raise concerns about the long-term commitment to sustainable practices. Our analysis underscores the need for continued support and collaboration between businesses and the government to drive positive change and create a sustainable future for all.”

Novuna Business Cash Flow is committed to supporting SMEs in their pursuit of financial stability and sustainable growth. Through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships, Novuna Business Cash Flow aims to empower businesses to overcome challenges and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

 For more information on Novuna’s research, click here.

 

About Novuna

Novuna is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, a leading financial services company, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We have over 2,200 employees, £7.6bn of net earning assets and nearly 1.3 million customers across five business divisions; Novuna Consumer Finance, Novuna Vehicle Solutions, Novuna Business Finance, Novuna Business Cash Flow and our European division specialising in Vendor Finance. For over 40 years, formerly as Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, we have worked with consumers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as corporate multinationals in the UK and mainland Europe, enabling millions of consumers and businesses to achieve their ambitions.

From 1 April 2021 we became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., strengthening our relationship with one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups with over £60bn of assets.

 

Novuna Business Cash Flow

Novuna Business Cash Flow provides cashflow finance solutions to SMEs across a wide range of sectors in the UK, allowing businesses to release cash from unpaid invoices within 24 hours.

With remote digital on-boarding through FLi, its unique platform, and flexible approach to contracts, Novuna Business Cash Flow was awarded the Best Factoring and Invoice Discounting Provider at the 2023 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Novuna Business Finance and Novuna Business Cash Flow are both trading styles of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups, with over £60bn of assets.

 

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.

Environment, Marketing, News, PR and SEO

Flow Creative creates brand identity for Greenpeace’s Global Plastics Treaty

Today creative agency Flow Creative reveals Greenpeace’s Global Plastics Treaty campaign’s brand identity ahead of the organisation’s press conference in Paris where the second session of the International Negotiating Committee is taking place. The agency has been working closely with the global environmental NGO for over a year to develop the campaign identity that will propel the importance of reducing runaway plastic production and use to tackle the plastic and climate crisis.

Greenpeace is a global independent campaigning organisation that uses peaceful, creative confrontation to raise awareness of environmental issues and drive positive change. Greenpeace’s Plastic-Free-Future’s campaign, together with its allies and supporters, demand a treaty that will keep oil and gas used to produce plastic in the ground and put an end to big polluters’ relentless plastic production.

With this hugely ambitious campaign the organisation is focusing on asking governments around the world to  commit to a strong and ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that will end  the plastic pollution crisis at source. Plastic is everywhere, its is flooding our planet, harming people’s health, accelerating social injustice, destroying biodiversity and fueling the climate crisis.The aim of this campaign is to encourage countries to agree to a legal binding agreement to end plastic pollution across the whole life-cycle to protect the environment and human health.

Flow Creative were tasked to create a brand identity that was flexible to adapt to many alphabets and languages for worldwide use. The creative had to be immediately identifiable and strong enough to carry the serious consequence of the messaging: End the Age of Plastic.

To ensure the campaign is clearly understood, the identity included a simple stamp mark, to be used by all the Greenpeace offices working on tackling the plastic pollution crisis. The mark design is based on the idea of a badge of honour to show membership of the treaty, and includes a graphic illustration of the globe; versions were made with five different views of the planet to be used by all continents on earth. The creative also includes campaign messaging in typographic systems, and a set of icons in the same graphic style as the stamp mark. The design is bold and graphic to communicate the campaign goal clearly and to resonate with audiences internationally, allowing for social media and regional adaptations. Flow Creative created a style guide to enable the identity for Greenpeace’s Global Plastic Treaty to be clearly translated by the organisation’s national regional offices.

Flow Creative, Founder & Creative Director, Karl Doran said: “As an agency we have always tried to work with organisations who do good in the world and few top Greenpeace, whose mission is literally to save our planet. Plastic use and production needs to be reduced and soon, the oceans are polluted, the world’s ecosystems are dying because of the widespread production of single-use plastic and human communities are being impacted. To be part of Greenpeace’s hugely ambitious global campaign to bring nations together to end the age of plastic is an honour and a privilege. We’re looking forward to seeing the campaign capturing the attention of global leaders and hopefully creating a once in a lifetime change for our planet.”

Greenpeace’s USA, Head of Comms & Engagement Plastics’ Campaign, Capucine Dayen said; “Massive thanks to the team at Flow for creating such an empowering brand identity for our Global Plastics Treaty Campaign. As the name suggests we required an identity that worked across our offices internationally, that would grab our audience’s attention and that that evokes hope and ultimately urgency for action. We are delighted with the outcome and are excited as it comes to live globally.”

 

About Flow Creative

Flow Creative is a purpose-led motion graphics and creative brand agency based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The agency enables people to care and connect with their client’s brands by finding their personality and illustrating their character.

Flow Creative was founded by Karl Doran in 2016 as a creative agency delivering high quality campaigns without the bureaucracy of a network agency. Working as a creative partner with organisations who want to change the world for the better, Flow Creative has created award winning campaigns to enable them to achieve their goals.

With a team of talented motion graphic designers, graphic designers and illustrators Flow Creative work with Greenpeace, World Wildlife Foundation, BBC, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and many more game changing organisations.

Environment, News, Waste and Recycling

26th of April marks Stop Food Waste Day – Celtic Collection shares tips to stop food waste, now

The 26th of April marks Stop Food Waste Day, which aims to raise awareness on the impact that food waste is having on the planet.

According to a study by Business Waste, it is estimated that 60 per cent of food waste is generated by UK households, with the other 40 per cent attributed to businesses and the hospitality industry. And globally, approximately 33 per cent of all food produced is lost or waste every single year.

In recognition of Stop Food Waste Day, Fitzroy Hutchinson, Energy and Sustainability Manager at ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection, gives his advice on how #eventprofs can reduce their food waste.

 

Giving back to the local community

Whilst it is crucial to support local suppliers it is also important to give back to the local area and to the environment. Across The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales, we collect all of the food waste and transport it to a local waste management facility, which generates it into renewable electricity for the South Wales Grid and for our venues. In addition to this, all of our oil waste is converted to biodiesel, which can be used to power vehicles and machinery.

 

Eat in season and local produce

In Wales, we are fortunate enough to have a rich natural larder, in fact Welsh lamb and beef rank alongside some of the world’s finest meats. Because of the country’s landscape we are blessed with incredible produce from our coastline, fields and valleys. While indulging in local delicacies it is also an opportunity to cut down on food waste.

Across The Celtic Collection, we utilise local suppliers in our restaurants and bars. For example, at The Parkgate Hotel you can try Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky, Cured Salmon in the Sorting Room restaurant and at The Celtic Manor Resort you can indulge in some of the finest cuts of Welsh beef in Steak on Six.

I would encourage event organisers to work with their venue to curate a menu that utilises produce that is in season and sourced as locally as possible. If more organisers and venues collaborated, it would likely contribute to less local food waste.

 

Research your venues

If you are keen to make your event greener, spend some time researching your prospective venues and reviewing their sustainability operations and policies. Many venues will have all of this information, plus their green credentials, available on their website but, if you can’t find what you are looking for or you are unsure of something, strike up a conversation with them.

It is important that if you are pledging to have a sustainable event that your venue reflects and aligns to your values. In my role, I am happy to sit down with clients to discuss what a sustainable event looks like to them and how we can help to deliver their goals. At The Celtic Collection, we proudly display our green credentials on our website and are happy to discuss how we manage our waste across the portfolio.

 

For further information on The Celtic Collection visit – www.celtic-collection.com

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.

 

Appointments, Cardiff, Environment, News, Science

Cardiff biosciences company makes key appointment to develop sustainable product range

Genesis Biosciences has made a key appointment at its Cardiff-based headquarters to support the development of its extensive eco-friendly microbial product range. 

Kate Ledwoch has been appointed as Senior Scientist and will aid Genesis in its research and development lab, supporting the implementation of cutting-edge technology into new and existing products. 

Recently published in the British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Kate has a PhD in Applied Phycology from Cranfield University; a MSc in Biofuels Process Engineering and BSc in Chemical Technology and Engineering and will bring her wealth of experience to microbiology experiments in the lab, testing products and reporting to ensure Genesis’ research meets the highest industry standards. 

Discussing her recent appointment, Kate said: “Since joining Genesis, I’ve enjoyed developing my own skills and getting to know the team, but I mostly love seeing the research that we do in the lab having real-life applications; it’s great to see the impact my work has. 

“I joined Genesis because of its evidence-driven philosophy, as all our products are scientifically verified and validated with purpose, extensive research and constant improvements. This truly resonated with me and I love being part of a team who all share these values.” 

Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Kate to the team and are excited to have such a talented individual joining us. As we continue to develop our extensive product range, our senior scientists are key figures in our research and development team, and we’re excited to see what Kate will bring.” 

Genesis Biosciences is dedicated to using multi-disciplinary research methods looking into the use of sustainable microbial organisms for a range of applications including cleaning, waste-water management and odour control. With a leading fermentation facility and laboratories in Georgia, USA, as well as a comprehensive research, development & technical facility located in Cardiff, Genesis’ unique eco-benign® philosophy is gradually reducing the need for the use of toxic chemicals worldwide. 

For further information, please visit www.genesisbiosciences.co.uk. 

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/.