Being cleaner and greener is helping Norfolk businesses to cut costs – and push up profits.

The Shaping Norfolk’s Future conference was given an insight into the work of Breckland Council’s REV ACTIVE project by manager Simon Best, an expert on energy issues and climate change.

REV ACTIVE has been developed for SMEs to see the benefits of resource efficiency improvements in their day-to-day operations – to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

The project, which was developed by Breckland Council in partnership with Norfolk County Council and Shaping Norfolk’s Future, grew from a programme of visits by Breckland’s economic development officers to businesses along the A11 corridor.

From discussions with managers, it became apparent that local companies were keen to adopt energy-saving measures but needed help, advice and hands-on support tailored to their individual circumstances and premises.

Mr Best told the conference: “The British economy as a whole is just 10 per cent resource-efficient. Our project is advising SMEs how to help the environment and make savings. It’s a very topical issue and businesses have great opportunities to save money and improve their green credentials. Grants are available but many of the improvements we suggest are either no-cost or low-cost.

“The project creates an environment where businesses can share ideas and best practice, and benefit from working together. There is increasing pressure from central government for businesses to reduce carbon emissions and REV ACTIVE provides a fantastic opportunity for companies to achieve significant savings whilst acting in a greener way.”

For more information on REV ACTIVE, contact Simon Best at simon.best@breckland.gov.uk or visit www.revactive.co.uk.