Enviromental action boosts business
Nottingham business Xcarbon Ltd was set up to help private and
public sector organisations meet the challenges of climate change,
carbon legislation and rising energy prices.
The directors recognised that many businesses could be seriously
affected by these issues. Xcarbon has become recognised as a
leading consultancy on carbon management, in particular services
related to the new, mandatory CRC Energy Efficiency
Scheme.
Making a difference
Director Jean Lowes provides some background to the business, "We
help businesses and public sector organisations reduce costs and
greenhouse gas emissions and meet their compliance obligations
under carbon legislation. "
"We are committed to providing services that make a real
difference to businesses, both financially and environmentally.
Together the Directors have many years experience of delivering
successful consultancy projects and training courses and this
expertise underpins our success."
In addition to consultancy and training for a range of leading
organisations, Xcarbon delivers two specialist courses for CIMA
(Chartered Institute of Management Accountants); Accounting for
Carbon and Carbon Reporting & Footprinting.
"Environmental issues and the associated legislation continually
develop and change and we must keep pace with them," explains
Jean. "For example, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme impacts
all private and public sector organisations with a half hourly
electricity meter. It came into effect in April this year and now
forms the fastest growing area of our business. We will
continue to adapt what we offer to meet customer demand."
Walk the Talk
Jean says that Xcarbon aims to lead by example, "We are committed
to reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible and
if this is impractical, we purchase Kyoto-compliant offsets."
Xcarbon approached EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for
delivering a range of business improvement services when they were
looking for assistance with marketing the business. "We
wanted to raise awareness of the business and make the most of all
the opportunities available to us in presenting our services to
potential clients."
Exploring opportunities
Although it's early days, Jean feels there is a lot that EMB has
to offer local businesses. "EMB have worked with us to discuss the
availability of funding to develop our leadership and management
skills, the benefits of Investors in People and arranged for an
adviser to contact us who gave us valuable information and some top
ideas to help us get started. I just wish I had contacted them
earlier.
"I am currently following up the links that our Adviser provided
and exploring the opportunities offered by specialist resources,
e-business and networking. I will also look at the factsheets
and online tools on the Business Link website in due course."
Jean says that it seems highly likely that the coming years will
see some dramatic changes due to environmental legislation.
"Inevitably, there will be winners and losers. Becoming more
energy and carbon efficient in the low carbon economy will be a
vital step for corporate survival for all organisations."
Jean's Top tips
• Be clear about the strategy of the business and stick to
it
• Time spent better understanding your customers is never
wasted