Raw material costs in woodworking industry are significant: they form approximately 70-80 % of the total production costs of sawn wood and more than 50 % of the production costs of more downstream products such as wood panels.

Small actions with a big impact

Tonnes of reasons to be efficient

• Restaurants achieve savings of € 30 000 annually by reconsidering portion sizes and optimising stock
• Measures also cut back on food waste 

Two Glasgow-based restaurants (45 staff members) which offer a great range of Indian dishes were producing around 26 tonnes of food waste a year. It was found that about 70 % of that came from plate waste returned from their customers (rice was the most common plate waste, followed by salad, naan bread, and curry sauce). 

A greener garden centre

• Efficient water and waste management measures are part of a more ambitious 'green' programme
• Measures like investing in LED lighting, a cardboard baler and efficient toilet facilities save on costs and help the environment

Caulders Garden Centre is a family-owned business that operates five garden centres in Scotland. The company undertook a resource efficiency audit which revealed a number of measures where improvements could be made.

Invest now, save for decades!

• Benefits of waste recycling go beyond simply reducing waste
• It also decreases the amount of raw materials used and this saves money and helps the environment

Every day Henllan Bread produces pies, cakes and of course bread for a wide range of shops, schools, and hospitals across North Wales.

High achievers...

• Waste reduction, waste recycling, CO2 emission reduction, cost savings 
• Cheese company's bid to double production and cut down on food waste

The Strathearn Cheese Co. is a micro-dairy with big expansion plans. Started in 2016, production has steadily grown, and Strathearn hopes to double production over the next few years.

Mini market, maxi savings

• Small businesses are always looking for ways to cut running costs
• Modern refrigeration and freezer units help one store save about € 2 000 a month on its energy bill

Goldenacre Mini Market is a convenience store located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Its best-selling items are chilled drinks. Like most convenience stores, the very nature of the business means long operating hours. That means high demand for store lighting and consequently high operating costs.

Small saving with a huge impact

• Hotel prevented 2.5 tonnes of furniture from being landfilled
• This saved only a small amount (around € 87 or £ 78), but the action reduced CO2 emissions by 7 tonnes

The Best Western White Horse Hotel in the city of Derry in Northern Ireland carried out an extensive upgrade of facilities and interiors. The hotel faced the problem of what to do with the old furniture and bedroom fixtures which were still in good condition. A sustainable alternative to landfilling was needed. 

Energy and water saving is everyone's job

• Hotel implemented CSR into its management strategies
• Small investment (€ 350) achieved significant savings (€ 5 000 a year) in water and waste bills

Izvora Hotel is located in a traditional Bulgarian building in the centre of the village of Arbanassi. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, infrared cabin and massage facility. All of the rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, internet, and hairdryer.

Refreshing energy efficiency moves

• Savings achieved in medium-sized spa hotel by implementing CSR measures
• Rethinking energy efficiency like this saves about € 12 000 every year

Spa Hotel Fairy in the Central Balkan Mountains is located in a picturesque river valley. Close to the hotel is a geothermal spring with a capacity of 3000 l/min and water temperature of 52 degrees centigrade.