Waverley businesses celebrate green success

Local businesses have been recognised for taking positive steps towards a more sustainable future as part of Waverley Borough Council's first Go Green for Business programme.

Representatives from participating businesses came together at Haslemere Education Museum on Wednesday 23 September for a celebration event marking their progress through the programme and achievement of the first stage of Green Mark certification.

Certificates were presented to businesses taking part in the scheme, recognising the time and commitment they have invested in identifying practical ways to make their organisations more sustainable.

Go Green for Business supports local businesses to understand their environmental impact and take practical steps to reduce it. This can include improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, reviewing purchasing practices, encouraging sustainable travel and introducing new ways of working.

As well as delivering long-term environmental benefits, becoming more sustainable can help businesses reduce costs, strengthen resilience, respond to changing customer expectations and create new opportunities.

Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, said:

"A huge congratulations to all the businesses that have taken part in our first Go Green for Business cohort. Reaching the first stage of Green Mark certification is a fantastic achievement and reflects the time and commitment they have put into making their businesses more sustainable.

"Businesses have an important role to play in responding to climate change, reducing waste and using resources more efficiently, but sustainability also makes good business sense. Small, consistent changes can help reduce costs, strengthen resilience and create new opportunities.

"It was particularly valuable to bring businesses together to share their experiences and practical ideas. The progress we are seeing demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, and I hope it inspires many more Waverley businesses to begin their own sustainability journey."

The event also gave participating businesses the opportunity to network and learn from one another, sharing the successes and challenges they have encountered while working towards their sustainability goals.

Waverley Borough Council also thanked Haslemere Education Museum for hosting the event and University for the Creative Arts (UCA) student Alexander Dobson, who worked with participating businesses to create videos showcasing their work and progress.

Following the success of the first cohort, applications are now open for the second round of Waverley's Go Green for Business support scheme.

Businesses joining the new cohort will have the opportunity to take practical steps towards becoming more sustainable and work towards Green Mark accreditation.

Businesses interested in taking part can find out more and apply at:

Waverley's 'Go Green for Business' support scheme opens for a second round