Environmental Organisations

This page has been designed to provide information on other environmental business support organisations. For specific help please see our Key Topics section or contact the Forum. If you have any queries regarding any of the listed organisations, the Forum is here to help, and can provide advice and give further direction.

Environmental Groups

This section lists authorities, organisations, community groups and government sectors in alphabetical order.

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Carbon Trust

The Carbon Trust is a Government funded independent company. Their role is to help the UK move to a low carbon economy by helping business and the public sector reduce carbon emissions now and capture the commercial opportunities of low carbon technologies. They provide free practical advice to business and public sector organisations to help reduce energy use and combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
www.carbontrust.org.uk

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Defra

Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) works for the essentials of life - food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants. Their remit is the pursuit of sustainable development - weaving together economic, social and environmental concerns. Their work includes: bringing all aspects of the environment, rural matters, farming and food production together; a focal point for all rural policy, relating to people, the economy and the environment; roles in both European Union and global policy making, so that its work has a strong international dimension.
www.defra.gov.uk

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Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (York, North Yorkshire and East Riding)

The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre is part of a national network of over 50 advice centres which is funded by the Government to help householders, schools and small businesses reduce their energy consumption by offering local advice and information on energy efficiency measures and grants that may be available.
www.energypartnership.org.uk

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Energy Savings Trust

The Energy Saving Trust promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency in the domestic and transport sectors. They provide an accreditation programme for businesses manufacturing white goods, which is to help consumers identify the most energy efficient products on the market. They also run several transport programmes for businesses; details can be found here www.est.org.uk/fleet/.

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Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. They enforce and regulate business and industry practices but also provide useful information about compliance to legislation and improving environmental performance.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Environment Agency - 'Netregs'

NetRegs is an online catalogue of environmental legislation managed by the environment agency. It is easy to use and designed with SMEs in mind. It is updated regularly and provides all the information needed about regulations of the past, present and future.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs

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Environmental Forums

Better Business Environment Forum (BBEF)
The Better Business Environment Forum provides seminars and workshops throughout West Yorkshire on topics requested by its members. It is dedicated to providing the business community with an environmental information service, a seminar programme and access to environmental advice. The Forum aims to assist its members in maximising environmental business opportunities whilst at the same time contributing to the region's sustainable development.
www.bbef.org.uk

South Yorkshire Green Business Club
The South Yorkshire Green Business Club provides information on good environmental management through breakfast meetings. The meetings are held once a month hosting keynote speakers and provide an opportunity for informal discussions between members. Topics addressed have ranged from general government policy to the implementation of DIY environmental management systems tailor-made for local SMEs.
www.sygbc.co.uk

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Envirowise

Envirowise is a Government funded programme which offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. It's free services comprise of a helpline, on-site audits, publications, information on legislation and events.
www.envirowise.gov.uk

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NISP (National Industrial Symbiosis Programme)

NISP is a business led initiative, which facilitates links between industries from different sectors to create sustainable commercial opportunities and improve resource efficiency. It is delivered through coordinated regional industrial symbiosis programmes. NISP Membership is free for all companies regardless of size or turnover.

The 'currency' of NISP relates to any type of resource including waste materials, energy, water, capacity, logisitics, human resources, training capacity, knowledge and expertise. Information is regularly analysed by the NISP regional delivery bodies and participating companies to identify business opportunities and possible synergies for member companies. The programme has a number of tools including full training, workshops, web based database, company visits all helping to bring about business benefit.
www.nisp.org.uk

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RAY (Recycling Action Yorkshire)

RAY is working to fast-forward the transformation of waste into a valued resource.

Waste is lost profit, which costs companies around 4% of turnover a year and according to the UK government is costing British business £50 billion per annum.

More recycling means more jobs, more wealth and a reduced environmental footprint. The environmental sector is already a £12 billion a year UK industry and it is estimated that the annual turnover will increase to £20-30 billion by 2018. RAY has identified opportunities for market growth in the recycling industry across the region to take advantage of this rapidly expanding market.

The rapid growth of the recycling market is being directly driven by legislation, it has to happen. Increasing legislation affecting waste disposal and the onus on producer responsibility will increase the pressure on business and local authorities to take on the recycling challenge. Meeting these new requirements will take a major change of culture from seeing waste as something to get rid of - to a valued resource and a economic opportunity.

RAY aims to deliver a sustainable support programme for business growth opportunities so that Yorkshire and the Humber can lead the way in the recycling and reprocessing market place.
www.recyclingaction-yorkshire.org.uk

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WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)

Wrap is a Government funded organisation set up to accelerate resource efficiency by creating efficient markets for recycled materials and products, while removing barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.

WRAP's Business Development Service provides a 'marriage service' for recycling businesses and funders. It offers recycling SME's practical help and guidance to maximise their chances of securing the finance they need through improving the quality of their business plans and investment proposals.
www.wrap.org.uk

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Yorkshire Forward

Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency responsible for the sustainable economic development of the Yorkshire and Humber. They help new businesses set up and give advice to current businesses in the area in order to maintain and encourage the areas economic growth.
www.yorkshire-forward.com.

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Other Groups

Business in the Community
A national charity organisation aimed at helping businesses improve their impact in the community. Supports and encourages businesses to integrate responsible practice throughout their company.
www.bitc.org.uk

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Business Link York and North Yorkshire
Business Link is an information and advice resource centre for businesses in York and North Yorkshire. It provides support and advice about business development, finance, sales, ICT and more.
www.here4business.co.uk

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Government Office
The Government Office for the Yorkshire and Humber is the regional government representation in this area. They aim to work with regional partners to enhance the economic prosperity in Yorkshire and Humber. They manage regional programs and have information about business skills, business support, the regional economic strategy, sustainability and funding available.
www.goyh.gov.uk

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Local Council
Local councils are structured differently, and may be made up of different departments, contact the Forum to find out who to contact for environmental business issues in your local council.

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Regional Assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber
Describing themselves as "the voice for the region" the regional assembly represents the Yorkshire and the Humber in Whitehall and Brussels. They are the regional planning body that makes decisions about development in the region. They support the local government and ensure that Yorkshire Forward funds are spent in line with the Regional Economic Strategy.
www.rayh.gov.uk

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University of York
The University of York was founded in 1963. It now has 10,500 students, a third of whom are postgraduates, and 2,500 staff. York has the highest average score for teaching quality and is ranked 6th for research amongst the UK’s 100 higher education institutions. The University runs Science City York with the City of York Council and private sector partners, a project described as an exemplar of university-industry relationships in the Lambert Report. The Chancellor of the Exchequer named York as one of Britain’s 'Science Cities' in the pre-Budget Announcement in November 2004.

Among several top rated departments, there is a strong and growing interest in the Environment. Within the Biology Department are several groups dedicated to basic environmental science and within which is the UK base of the International Stockholm Environmental Institute. This team has strong local interests including being involved in mapping the eco-footprint of York. The Environment Department pursues specialist research but involves its students in anumber of local initiatives.The Chemistry Department supports a specialist Green Chemistry team which has evolved a Centre for Industrial Collaboration. All these groups have a strong interest in engaging with outside companies/organistions who have a need for specialist assistance in a wide range of environmental topics.

For further information please contact BEF who will put you in touch with the appropriate contact at the University.