Welcome to EASIER Project News
Sep 2009- Universities that Count
This year the University took part in the 'Universities that Count' Environment Index, which is a standard for benchmarking environmental responsibility in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The index is based on the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index and therefore also allows comparisons with the business sector. The University achieved a score above the HEI and business sector average and a silver ranking. To find out more about the project visit The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges or email sustainable@herts.ac.uk.
August 2009- Gree issues slip down the SME priority list
SMEs are in denial about their green credentials - because they have bigger concerns at the moment, according to new research published by the Environment Agency and reported in Management Today. Only 7% think they have a negative impact on their environment, but in fact, almost half do. And worse still for the green lobby, small firms seem to be even less interested in improving their credentials now we’re in a recession – presumably because they’re much more worried about having a business at all than they are about having a green one. Read the full story at http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/newsalerts/dailynews/news/927781/Green-issues-slip-down-SME-priority-list/?DCMP=EMC-Daily%20News
July 2009- CMI report shows senior managers hold back younger generation’s bid to go green
UK organisations need to understand the commercial imperative about 'going green'. A new report says it's not just about saving costs, it's about engaging with staff and customers and a lifestyle choice for future generations. Accusations of apathy and self-interest are frequently levelled at young people in the UK. However, research launched by the CMI reveals that, in terms of embracing the green agenda, those at director and senior management-level risk squandering the enthusiasm of junior and young managers to take action on green issues. The CMI’s ‘Lean and Green' report shows a striking disparity between senior and junior staff members at UK organisations in terms of their passion for, and willingness to take action to combat climate change in the workplace. While 81% of managers recognise energy usage is a key business issue, just 26% report that their organisation actively addresses its carbon footprint. Read the full story at
http://www.managers.org.uk/listing_media_1.aspx?id=10:347&id=10:138&id=10:11&doc=10:7961
June 2009- University Court shows interest in EASIER
At a meeting of the Court of the University of Hertfordshire in early June, EASIER project manager, Hilary Oakley, presented an outline of the work of the EASIER project and invited Court members to come forward with their suggestions as to how the project might be managed and delivered.
Chaired by the University's Chancellor, The Most Hon The Marquis of Salisbury PC DL, the Court advises and supports the University in the development and achievement of its objectives, as well as reflecting upon its progress and impact within the wider community. Hilary's presentation and the subsequent discussion identified a number of ways in which access to SMEs might be improved as well as suggestions for additional tools and procedures to support those companies that participate.
As well as hearing about the project, Court members were given details of the integrated transport project SMILES, in which GreenPotential is working in partnership with Suffolk County Council and St Albans City and District Council to drive low carbon economic growth alongside improved local public transport services.
Also present at the meeting were Professor Tim Wilson, Vice-Chancellor of the University, The Countess of Verulam in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Professor Neville Reyner CBE DL, President of the British Chambers of Commerce.
May 2009- Business Link East supports EASIER
EASIER project staff, Hilary Oakley and Maurizio Catulli, were invited to present details of the EASIER project to Business Link East's team of Business Adviser Managers at their monthly briefing in Harlow in late June.
During a meeting of the Management team, Hilary and Maurizio explained how the project would work, and in particular the sorts of SMEs the team will be looking for and the types of consultancy that will be provided under the project.
Following a discussion and a range of suggestions as to how we might access harder to reach clients, Adviser team Regional Manager, Allan Barrows, explained that Business Link East would be well positioned to support the project's drive to access and support suitable clients.
EASIER reaches the Green Organisation
Guest speakers at this year's annual gathering of international environmental award body, the Green Organisation, were Hilary Oakley and Mike Page, leaders of the EASIER project.
Speaking to an audience made up of both corporates and other bodies which support the Green Organisation, Hilary and Mike described the work of the project, not only as an initiative which is active and supporting business in the East of England, but as a possible role model for other part of the UK and indeed further afield.
Prior to the gathering, which this year took place at royal palace, Hampton Court, on the banks of the river Thames, the Green Organisation had asked if the speakers could give members feedback as to their current level of carbon emission. In order to do this, members had provided the University of Hertfordshire with data as to their energy consumption and the extent of corporate/commercial travel they undertook. Based on these figures, Hilary Oakley was able to present an approximate carbon footprint measure to each participating member. In response the Green Organisation pledged a one off contribution of £250 to assist any member wishing to purchase consultancy support to identify ways by which their carbon footprint may be reduced.
The session ended with a lively presentation by Psychologist, Mike Page, as to the importance of understanding human behaviour in carbon footprint reduction.
April 2009