Following the success of the HTA Environmental Management System pilot, run in 2006/07, a further eight companies have signed up to take part in the scheme over the next year. The project will continue to be delivered by White Young Green Environmental (WYGE) and has been made possible due to a successful application for further funding through the Defra BREW fund, which consists of money generated by the Landfill Tax.

The HTA member companies involved are:

(Retailers) Dobbies Garden Centres, St Peters Garden Centre

Nurseries, Boningale Nurseries, Bransford Webbs Plant Company, Johnsons of Whixley, Notcutts Nurseries, Robin Tacchi Plants,

(Landscaper) Hambrook Landscapes.

These businesses will receive an initial environmental audit which will be followed by up to six training workshops.The businesses will implement the EMS with a view to gaining certification to the environmental standard BS8555. The project should be completed by March 2008.

Tim Briercliffe, business development director for HTA commented: “The success of the companies involved in the pilot demonstrates that the EMS project helps businesses tackle environmental issues and cut costs. Both nurseries and garden centres have benefited from the EMS and we are also pleased to see a landscape company signing up to the scheme. The work involved in implementing the EMS should not be underestimated, but all the participating companies would endorse the view that the benefits outweigh the costs.”

From a nursery perspective, Charles Carr at Lowaters Nurseries pointed out one of the benefits of the scheme. He said: “One of our major customers has had the environment on their agenda for a number of years. They loved the fact that we have achieved this BS 8555 certification as it provides them with a bit more peace of mind from the supply chain perspective.”

Retailers have also benefited. Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett’s said: “The project is brilliant at making you take time to think about all aspects of your business and the impact it has on the environment. Inevitably the process leads to cost savings, as well as environmental benefits.” l

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