SUSTAIN Lincolnshire is a programme of activities led by Lincolnshire County Council, which aims to help Lincolnshire's businesses to become more competitive at the same time as reducing their carbon footprint and safeguarding the environment. Aimed at small and medium sized enterprises (SME's), SUSTAIN Lincolnshire recognises the major business opportunities that climate change presents and supports the emerging green sector.

Phase 1 is a three year programme of activity jointly funded by Lincolnshire County Council, the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Now mid way through, the programme promotes resource efficiency in business by:

• Providing free intensive Resource Efficiency Business Support
• Supporting the development of sustainable procurement clusters
• Promoting business to business collaboration
• Providing investment in training and the training infrastructure
• Helping to bring new resource efficiency products and services to the market through demonstration.

To find out more information or to get involved, please visit us at www.sustainlincolnshire.com.

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) works across the UK to help businesses and individuals reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way. To visit the WRAP website click here| where you will find a range of helpful information, on-line tools and links to other organisations.

WRAP has two FREE initiatives to help small to medium sized businesses (SME's) on their path to resource efficiency. The initiatives are online training modules, delivered monthly and backed by audiocasts, telephone support and in-depth publications

Rethink Waste| is a free online training programme by WRAP, with support from EEF, to help manufacturers reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and save money.

The Rippleffect|  is a free online training programme by WRAP, to provide all types of businesses with a simple structured approach to reducing water waste and saving money.

The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company with the mission to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy. They provide specialist support to help business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. By stimulating low carbon action we contribute to key UK goals of lower carbon emissions, the development of low carbon businesses, increased energy security and associated jobs. To visit the Carbon Trust website click here|

Their website includes on-line training tools| to help businesses look at their processes and reduce their carbon foot print.  

They also provide information on emerging, low carbon, technologies and climate change legislation and policies that apply to SMEs|. 

Industrial symbiosis brings together traditionally separate industries and organisations from all business sectors with the aim of improving cross industry resource efficiency and sustainability; involving the physical exchange of materials, energy, water and/or by-products together with the shared use of assets, logistics and expertise. For more information and to read case studies on successful outcomes, click here| to visit their website.

Advice on how to run a greener business

By using your resources more effectively, your business could save money and be more attractive to cus­tomers.

For no and low cost ways to reduce your water, waste and energy use, businesses in North and North East Lincolnshire can visit the Greener Business| website. This website also contains environmental advice on legislation, renewable energy and sustainable procurement.

The 'Business Waste Handbook'| is a download document which provides details and advice of the North East Lincolnshire businesses who will help reduce, reuse and recycle your business waste.

The NFU has launched a new service exclusively for members providing renewables and energy efficiency services to help reduce environmental impact and increase farm profits. The Farm Energy Service offers independent advice and guidance on a range of energy issues including solar panels, wind energy, grid connections and energy contracts. It will also provide assistance with legal queries, planning, finance and insurance. Benefits include a free initial survey, access to an energy contract finder service and a discounted fee structure. The NFU teamed up with renewable energy specialists Fisher German and efficiency and contract management experts Farm Energy. A new website explains what is available - have a look at www.nfufarmenergyservice.com The helpline for initial advice is 0870 844 5700