https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/embracing-efficiency-for-better-business-operations-and-minimising-environmental-impact <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Embracing efficiency for better business operations and minimising environmental impact</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/embracing-efficiency-for-better-business-operations-and-minimising-environmental-impact" data-a2a-title="Embracing efficiency for better business operations and minimising environmental impact"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a 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<img alt="Embracing efficiency for better business operations and minimising environmental impact" title="Embracing efficiency for better business operations and minimising environmental impact" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1582.jpg?itok=3QaGFAJc" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4884 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4936 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This article is part of the <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">'Celebrating Circular`</a> initiative and story collection that spotlights trailblazer Irish businesses making strides towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.</p> <hr /> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4885 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>A DIY and building supplies store that offers everything from paint, cleaning solutions, homewares, gardening, and building supplies to workwear might not be the most obvious place to look for a leader in climate action.</p> <p>But looking behind the scenes at <a href="https://www.burkes.ie/" target="_blank">Burke’s Homevalue Rathnew </a>in Wicklow, you will find an array of sustainable practices designed to run an environmentally conscious and energy-efficient business that offers customers the best products with friendly service.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4888 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4886 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Starting with the easy wins of sustainability</p> <p>John Burke, Managing Director, says that the company's approach to sustainability is business-driven and must contribute to improving the bottom line.</p> <p>“I believe environmentalists are mostly blinded to the reality of running a business since they are caught up in their passion.</p> <p>For us, the priority is to develop the company and adopting sustainability is a good way of doing that.”</p> <p>In the past 18 years, they have experimented with many areas to improve efficiency, which has decreased their environmental impact as well as enhanced operations.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4887 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1583.jpg" width="426" height="499" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">John Burke, Managing Director at Burke’s Homevalue Rathnew</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4889 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“Lights and energy are massive monsters, but upgrading our systems resulted in significant savings.”</p> <p>One of their greatest achievements is reducing their electricity bill from €20,000 in 2008 to €8,000 in 2020 before even installing solar panels.</p> <p>“Starting with the easy wins and scaling solutions that work is how we approach adopting changes. All the little things where you improve efficiency will add up in the end. It makes complete business sense, and it`s also a great warm feeling to see that we are not leaking money in different places,” John shares.</p> <blockquote> <p>“All the little things where you improve efficiency will add up in the end, and it makes complete business sense not to leak money in different places.”</p> </blockquote> <p>Although technical improvements are essential, having over 300 trees sequestering nearly 9 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually while making the site look friendlier.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4890 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">The importance of trial and error</p> <p>He believes in a “trial and error” mentality in figuring out solutions, which also led him to review an area often overlooked in optimising business operations: using IT infrastructure.</p> <p>“Our servers now consume 4.5 times less energy than our previous system, and the energy consumption of five new PCs is equivalent to that of a single old PC. We also have a dedicated, insulated server room designed to minimise cooling and energy consumption.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4893 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4891 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Besides reducing energy consumption, they also wanted to move away from non-renewable options. Installing solar panels on the building's roof allowed the company to primarily operate on solar energy for nine months of the year.</p> <p>In 2019, they also transitioned from diesel to electric forklifts, resulting in significant fuel savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved air quality within the store.</p> <p>Although they are constantly on the hunt to adopt practices that will help them avoid unnecessary waste, whether from packaging or energy use, John feels that many technologies are beyond the reach of a smaller company.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4892 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1584.jpg" width="662" height="357" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Installing solar panels on the building&#039;s roof allowed the company to primarily operate on solar energy for nine months of the year.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4894 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>He adds that if more companies adopt sustainability, it would generate a larger market share and help lower the prices of innovative solutions.</p> <p class="font-subtitle">Adopting circular economy principles for efficiency</p> <p>Using a cost-benefit analysis, in addition to constantly examining the data, helps him identify places where he can achieve the best outcome by implementing changes.</p> <p>John’s commitment to adopting circular economy principles ensures that materials are reused and repurposed wherever possible, especially when it comes to managing waste.</p> <p>Installing new equipment helped them turn waste management “from a cost centre into a revenue generator” and significantly improve their plastic and cardboard recycling processes.</p> <blockquote> <p>“I enjoy tracking how our data improves thanks to enhanced efficiency. I've done a lot of heavy lifting already, but you can`t stay put, and I’m always keen to see new things.”</p> </blockquote> <p>With this mentality, he decided to participate in the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modos-circular-economy-training-tickets-988609476557?aff=erelpanelorg&amp;keep_tld=1" target="_blank">MODOS business sustainability training</a>, which exposed him to what other businesses are doing.</p> <p>“I was blown away to learn how others are approaching different things.This knowledge exchange was probably the most valuable part for me besides realising that carbon management and packaging was an issue for most of us.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4895 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Planning ahead</p> <p>He has ambitious plans to improve their operations further, including increasing their electric vehicle fleet and a big dream of having a windmill at some point.</p> <p>Bringing their customers on the sustainability journey is more challenging as John doesn`t experience a rush in actively seeking out greener products.</p> <p>Although they are dedicated to prioritising sourcing sustainably produced products, including water-based eco-friendly paints and paint accessories.</p> <p>“We encourage our customers to start with cost-effective measures to improve energy efficiency and environmental awareness. By showing the tangible benefits, such as reduced bills and expenses, we believe in a "sold, not told" approach to going green.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4896 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <hr /><p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4899 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4897 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Explore other inspirational stories as part of the <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">Celebrating Circular</a> initiative supported by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Dublin City Council.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular">Read more stories&gt;&gt;</a></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4898 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1585.jpg" width="302" height="302" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-hover field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1586.jpg" width="302" height="302" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">September 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/celebrating-circular">Celebrating Circular</a> </div> </div> Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:12:30 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 351 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/we-need-to-make-sustainability-easier-to-understand-and-demonstrate-feasibility <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>“We need to make sustainability easier to understand and demonstrate feasibility”</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/we-need-to-make-sustainability-easier-to-understand-and-demonstrate-feasibility" data-a2a-title="“We need to make sustainability easier to understand and demonstrate feasibility”"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a 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href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/business-sustainability" hreflang="en">Business Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/resource-efficiency" hreflang="en">Resource Efficiency</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/business-sustainability" hreflang="en">Business Sustainability</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="“We need to make sustainability easier to understand and demonstrate feasibility”" title="“We need to make sustainability easier to understand and demonstrate feasibility”" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1527.png?itok=EawApYYe" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4700 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4701 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This article is part of the <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">'Celebrating Circular`</a> initiative and story collection that spotlights trailblazer Irish businesses making strides towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.</p> <p>It aims to highlight the encouraging achievements of companies that participated in the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modos-circular-economy-training-tickets-988609476557?aff=erelpanelorg&amp;keep_tld=1" target="_blank">MODOS circular economy training</a> provided by Local Authorities to local businesses and supported by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Dublin City Council.</p> <hr /> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4702 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-greentitle">Expert Insight</p> <p> </p> <p>James Hogan has been an Environmental Consultant with the <a href="https://ctc-cork.ie/" target="_blank">Clean Technology Centre</a> (CTC), based at Munster Technological University since 1995.</p> <p>His key areas of expertise include Environmental Management Systems, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Carbon Management, Renewable Energy, ESG and Sustainability.</p> <p>Managing several national programmes, such as the Green Business Programme and the Green Hospitality Programme, gave him a broad overview of adopting sustainable practices in different sectors. In addition to these experiences, he is currently Programme Manager for the HSE's Green Healthcare Programme.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4705 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4703 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Resource efficiency as a low-hanging fruit for businesses</p> <p>As one of the trainers in the MODOS course, he mainly focuses on resource efficiency and connecting the circular economy with practical solutions that can increase business productivity.</p> <p>As James explains, resource efficiency can be the low-hanging fruit that allows businesses to taste the benefits of adopting sustainable practices.</p> <p>“For instance, in hospitality, it doesn't really make business sense to throw out food you paid for, so reducing food waste means significantly improving your bottom line.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4704 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1525.jpg" width="423" height="354" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">James Hogan, Environmental Consultant at Clean Technology Centre - Munster Technological University</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4706 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>However, in many cases, it requires changing habits and expectations while creating new routines.</p> <p>James shares that these changes can be met with some resistance due to formalities or traditional ways of doing things that we seem to hold on to.</p> <p>“Simple things like inviting hotel guests to make their own toast instead of placing a basket full of toast on each table can make a difference. Still, you need to manage guest's expectations in order to shift mindsets and practices.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4707 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Behavioural change as a bottleneck for change</p> <p>He says behavioural change is a massive challenge on both sides – business offerings and consumer acceptance.</p> <blockquote> <p>“The lack of time is the biggest enemy in making change happen. Businesses are busy running their operations, and it is hard to dedicate time to upskill and adopt changes.”</p> </blockquote> <p>However, as James sees it, resource efficiency can help take the first few strides, as shifts are usually low-cost and provide a high return on investment.</p> <p>Still, at some point, you need to train your staff and raise awareness among employees just as much as with customers.</p> <p>This is where programmes like the MODOS training can help, as they allow participants to gain practical knowledge that can be applied right away.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-4711"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4710 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4708 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1526.png" width="432" height="432" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4709 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Learn more about the Celebrating Circular initiative!</p> <p>The 'Celebrating Circular` digital publication and online story collection spotlight trailblazer Irish businesses making strides towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.</p> <p><a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">Explore stories&gt;&gt;</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Download the digital publication unveiling stories of changemakers and expert insights!</p> <p><a href="https://climatejournal.news/celebrating-circular-digital-publication" target="_blank">Read it</a><a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank"> here&gt;&gt;</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4712 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Keeping up with new routines</p> <p>“The magic happens when businesses start doing it and seeing the savings. It becomes tangible and not just a concept, realising the actual impact, which can be highly inspirational and a driver for adopting further changes,” says James about why resource efficiency is a good place to start a sustainability journey.</p> <p>He notes that a crucial part of keeping up with these positive changes is repeatedly training staff not to slip back into the old routines.</p> <blockquote> <p>Mentoring is available to participating businesses to help them adopt what they have learned from the MODOS course, providing them with the opportunity to work on specific issues with the help of experts.</p> </blockquote> <p>James has recently worked with Peter Marks Hair Saloons as a mentor after they graduated from the course to explore how to increase resource efficiency in their operations.</p> <p>Measures included reducing hot water consumption by switching shower heads and using more efficient hairdryers to decrease energy usage, besides looking at opportunities to install solar panels in the future.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4713 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Exploring the untapped business potential of circularity</p> <p>Promoting easy wins for businesses is an area where James feels more can be done to increase awareness and buy-in.</p> <blockquote> <p>“We need to make sustainability easier to understand and demonstrate feasibility alongside straight-forward signposting regarding where to go to get support and take the next steps.”</p> </blockquote> <p>Although circularity is getting more attention, there is massive untapped potential for businesses. To make it more mainstream, James believes senior management should be more involved and devoted to putting sustainability on their priority list, while shareholders could demand this and look beyond short-term profit.</p> <p>Based on his three decades of experience, he says one thing that still encourages him is seeing that companies are capable of change and taking on sustainability as a way of enhancing their business.</p> <p>“Most forward-thinking businesses want to do more once they get the hang of it and see the benefits. They want to keep advancing, keep getting better and move towards higher levels after harvesting the low-hanging fruits.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">August 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/celebrating-circular">Celebrating Circular</a> </div> </div> Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:50:40 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 341 at https://climatejournal.news