Green light for eco initiative

We have launched a two year sustainability initiative to deliver eco-innovative solutions to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).

The North East Industrial Symbiosis Network will also provide practical solutions to difficult waste problems.

The network will help businesses reduce CO2 by over 250,000 tons and prevent 250,000 tons of waste going to landfill, making environmental savings as well as improving business profitability.

It will assist 40 businesses each year, with direct research and development support and consultancy generating additional sales and cost savings of over £300,000. There will also be a 10,000 ton reduction in the use of treated water.

The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £621,000 ERDF investment through regional development agency One North East to match the university’s contribution.

Long term environmental and social benefits 'The North East Industrial Symbiosis Network will influence and fuel a change in business culture and effect long term environmental and social benefits contributing to regional sustainability,' said Christine Parry, Industrial Symbiosis Project Manager from Teesside University.

'We need to increase the capacity and will of SMEs and their workforces to improve business performance by recognising that waste is a useful raw material and a resource to be utilised. There are numerous opportunities for collaborative networking, sharing resources and access to technical information, research and support for virgin material savings between companies.'

The North East Industrial Symbiosis Network project will be delivered across the region from its base, the Clean Environment Management Centre (CLEMANCE) here at Teesside University.

Its regular workshops will stimulate cross-sector engagement, business to business collaboration and technology transfer. Additional seminars will provide SMEs with up to date guidance on legislation, eco-innovation and best practice.

Two new dedicated waste and recycling businesses The project will also seek to create two new dedicated waste and recycling businesses and will offer site visits to waste management and treatment facilities or businesses demonstrating eco-innovation and best practice. These visits will be a means of encouraging knowledge transfer and stimulating eco-innovation amongst the SME community.

'Many businesses are under increasing pressure to measure and reduce their carbon footprints,' added One North East Head of European and skills strategy Lesley Calder. 'Waste is generally seen by business as a negative issue, with significant costs and legislative pressures associated with it.

'European Union support for this project will improve businesses’ understanding of resource management in all its forms and encourage them to implement strategies to become more efficient and competitive. It will help overcome technological barriers to resource efficiency and identify new market opportunities, as well as the obvious environmental benefits.'

The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 managed by One North East is bringing over £250m into North East England. Its emphasis on enterprise and business support is encouraging SMEs to develop, grow and innovate.

For further information about the North East Industrial Symbiosis Network project, call Teesside University on 01642 342 409.

For more information on the wider package of support available to companies, please call Business Link on 0845 600 9006.

---