Resource efficiency is the term that sees organisations and individuals make better use of water, energy and waste. It allows for sustainable economic growth through applying the principles of sustainable design and procurement to everyday life.

Our handy recycling database includes a comprehensive list of specialist recyclers in Yorkshire and the Humber. You can additionally search by area, category or material. Click here to access the Find a Recycler tool.

Details of current resource efficiency grants, incentives and funding can be found here

CO2Sense is running a regional campaign to encourage waste producers to recycle their plastic using regional reprocessors. For more information visit the website on:
www.actiononplastics.org.uk

CO2Sense has recruited a project manager to focus specifically on planning and regulatory issues associated with projects. The role delivers on-hand expertise to help projects address planning and regulatory issues quickly and effectively. The role will also provide direct communication with relevant departments within the Environment Agency to help move decisions forward as quickly as possible.

CO2Sense offers a range of support to recycling and re-use companies, organisations and social enterprises, including information on access to finance, market, technical and legal information, networking and business development, events, online networks and some funding opportunities. See Talk to a specialist

CO2Sense has a number of virtual networks which include details of best practice across the region and nationally. We have also developed a large number of case studies of best practice. These are all uploaded on the virtual networks. To learn more about the networks click here

CO2Sense has a dedicated team of project managers that work towards recycling different materials and diverting waste from landfill. We work specifically with organics, plastics, glass, paper, WEEE, wood and food and drink, but welcome enquires for all waste streams. For information and to speak to someone about your recycling options please email Jan Phillips (jan.phillips@co2sense.org).

There are a wide range of potential funders that you could potentially obtain investment or loans from both regionally and nationally. The nature of the investment can often depend upon your location and the type of business you operate.

Generally grant funding is in very limited supply within the region, with most grants targeted at social enterprises, research and development, or large scale projects breaking new ground. Non-grant funds take the form of loans or equity-based investment.

CO2Sense has developed a database of funding sources that you can search to find alternative options to traditional high-street banks if you are struggling to obtain finance from these sources.

Further support can also be obtained by contacting Richard O’Connell: richard.oconnell@co2sense.org.uk

Preparing a business plan will require your own input and knowledge of the business/project you are developing. However, not everyone is an expert at writing business plans and it often helps to have support from somebody in the know. Business Link Yorkshire (BLY) can help companies to develop their business planning, through one-to-one support from an advisor, training sessions and in some select cases vouchers to pay for consultancy support. If you are interested in obtaining assistance from Business Link Yorkshire, then you can contact them via their website (www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk) or the following number: 08456 048 048.

In addition to BLY, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) provides business development support to recycling companies. CO2 Sense hosts a WRAP regional business advisor who can link companies through to support including: business planning, market research, marketing and sales, operational support, management support, raising finance and equipment leasing. For further information please contact:

Michael Jones - Regional Business Advisor, Yorkshire and Humber
Direct line 0113 237 8428
Mobile 07904 000512
Email michael.jones@wrap.org.uk
Fax 01295 819911
Website www.wrap.org.uk

Further advice and support on business planning can also be obtained by contacting Richard O’Connell: richard.o'connell@co2sense.org.uk

A Business Plan should provide details of how the company are going to develop their business, when they are going to do it, key assumptions, who the key participants are and financial projections covering at least 3 years.

A good Business Plan should include:

• An Executive Summary - this is an overview of the business;
• A short description of the business opportunity - what they plan to sell or offer and the unique selling points of their proposition (why this is needed);
• Marketing / Sales strategy – a description of the market for this product or services, market research and how the company will attract the attention of and sell to this market;
• The Management Team & Personnel - their credentials, the people they plan to recruit and the organisation structure;
• Operations to deliver the plan - premises, production facilities and IT systems/infrastructure;
• Financial Forecasts – these include profit and loss, balance sheet and cash-flow forecasts summarising the financial impact of the business plan together with assumptions.

Further advice and support on business planning can also be obtained from CO2 Sense by contacting Richard O’Connell: richard.oconnell@co2sense.org.uk

CO2Sense has developed the Recycled Product Guide in partnership with WRAP to create a tailored Yorkshire and Humber search tool. You can search the database for products regionally or nationally.

The search enables you to look by product, brand, company, or location.

The aim of the Guide is to provide a comprehensive database of products made from recycled materials and items that will help you to recycle more items, more often.

CO2Sense is building on the success of its Recycled Product Guide and is currently developing a Green Product Guide. The green product guide will be launched early next year – watch this space.

• Recycled papers are widely available for a range of applications
• The quality and performance attributes for recycled papers have improved significantly
• Recycled paper will not necessarily cost you more
• You can contribute towards sustainable development through procuring recycled paper
• You can meet your organisation’s policy commitments and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Reduced costs and efficiency gains

Buy recycled and you can save money and achieve long term efficiency gains. North Lincolnshire Council switched their monthly resident magazine 'Direct' which is produced for 70,000 residents to recycled content paper and saved £7,500 a year.

Better products

When buying recycled, quality is not compromised - often recycled products will outperform their less-green counterparts. Bricks made with 5% recycled glass absorb less water, are more frost resistant and increase compressive strength.

Competitive advantage

An investment in sustainable procurement will help win contracts, and make you stand out in a business world of increasing competition and social responsibility.

Improve stakeholder impact and company reputation

Buy recycled and emphasise your organisation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. Due to pressure from regulators, the public, and investors – many companies are taking a strategic look at the environmental impacts of their supply chain. By choosing a recycled procurement policy, you are enhancing your business’ reputation and differentiating your company from competitors.

Investment in your region

Buy recycled and you are supporting local businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region. It is an emerging sector, projected to grow rapidly - generating economic growth and the creation of more jobs.

Environmental Benefits

In choosing to buy recycled in Yorkshire and the Humber, you will be contributing toward the effective use of resources and energy, which in turn reduces carbon emissions.

Improve staff morale

Buying recycled shows an investment in social responsibility and boosts employees’ view of your organisation. Around 90% of British workers feel that their employer’s social and environmental responsibility was important to them (MORI), making this a valuable asset in gaining and keeping the best people.