Event Report: Energy, Waste & Water Saving Workshop

20th October 2016 – Delegates from Brighton & Hove based third sector organisations met at the Brighthelm Centre for an Energy, Waste & Water Efficiency Course, held in partnership with Community Works and funded by Brighton & Hove City Council.

The course helps organisations decode their utility bills and identify areas where they can cut costs by implementing environmental best practice.

It equips attendees with new skills and knowledge and helps organisations further their “green credentials” – which can help attract new customers or funders.

After round-the-room introductions, the group discussed common issues, for example confusion over energy tariffs and how to efficiently control electric heating and cooling systems. This was followed with a “truth or myth” exercise, debunking a number of common environmental misconceptions.

Throughout the morning each delegate created an Action Plan of practical measures they are going to take at they organisation to reduce energy and water usage and minimise waste, such as:

• Installing sensors to control urinal flush frequency
• Upgrading halogen and fluorescent lighting to LEDs
• Creating an Environmental Policy
• Ensuring heating controls are set to match occupancy
• Sending invoices, payments, pay statements and other regular documents electronically
• Forming a ‘Green Team’ to ensure help is at hand to complete the above!

Ian Money, Head of Resources at Sussex Beacon, came away with a wide range of ideas for his organisation:

“The course has inspired us to look into various actions, from smaller adjustments such as using more economical printing settings and insulation jackets for pipework valves to larger projects such as researching funding opportunities for LED lights.”

Join the Sustainable Business Network to receive our monthly Network Update which includes details of all upcoming training courses and events, as well as local news and grant and finding opportunities.