Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

The pressure to become more eco-friendly as a business and as an individual comes from all directions: employees, the media, the government, clients and customers.

Every business is to some extent, feeling the pressure to behave in a more environmentally responsible way. But doing so requires effort and time that some of us simply do not have.

Environmental advocacy in business surprisingly still divides opinions.

While many are avid proponents of more environmentally responsible business practice, others are still very much in favour of the ‘volume = profit’ business model. 

Regardless of size, offering, or sector, businesses have a duty to behave in an environmentally responsible way. 

Google the term plastic pollution and you’ll be jolted into the horrifying realisation of what un-recycled plastic is doing to our delicate planet. The enormity of the plastic epidemic is having devastating effects on wildlife, the ocean and as a result, us.

Do you have an innovative business idea that supports the environment?

Office space is available at The Village at Great Marlings in Luton. Spaces from 1, 040-14, 597 square foot are on offer.

Do you have an innovative business idea that supports the environment?  The Incuba Business Support and Learning Centre, being opened in Dunstable by Central Bedfordshire Council, is running a  Green Business and Innovation Competition.

If you are looking to purchase low carbon equipment to improve energy efficiency in your business or are looking for advice on how to reduce your business's carbon footprint, WENTA have a grants available up to £7, 500

The Chamber Awards close for business entries on the 28th June.   Any business entering any of the eight business categories by 21st June 2013 will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad mini.

Moves to be environmentally sustainable have gained the University of Bedfordshire a First in the People & Planet Green League 2013.

Several initiatives have helped propel the institution to number 20 – a leap of 16 places from last year’s 36 – out of 143 universities in the league, published in The Guardian on Tuesday 11 June.

New EPC changes came into effect this week which means that an EPC must have been commissioned prior to marketing and obtained within 7 days of the property first being marketed. It is also essential to make the EPC available to prospective buyers and tenants when requested and advertise the EPC’s rating on all advertisements, both print and online. It is no longer necessary, however, to attach the front page of the EPC to written material.