A GREEN initiative is helping Watford businesses transform their approach to sustainability.

Guided by Watford Sustainable Business Programme, the scheme provides free, practical support to help companies fight climate change and become more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Watford-based businesses impacted by Covid-19 can take part in this programme free of charge, receiving practical advice and information to help lower their carbon use and build sustainable practices.

The structured programme starts by measuring companies’ carbon footprint and current practices, then uses business-focused tools and resources to identify actions and create achievable, long-term plans.

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Programme leaders Sustainable X work with each business and identify additional schemes or grants – up to £5,000 – for projects that support ongoing improvements.

Runners World Watford, in High Street, was one of the first applicants and recently received its completion certificate from Elected Mayor Peter Taylor.

Owner Jason Steel acknowledged that he’d originally taken part in the programme to find a sustainable way of heating the shop, but soon found there were many additional – and simple – ways that the business could become more sustainable.

“Taking part really opened our eyes to the little differences that are right in front of us, where making a tiny bit of effort can help a lot,” Jason explained, “It’s doable and we’re finding different ways of being sustainable in areas we didn’t think of.”

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Jason added: “We’ve looked at deliveries and transport, cut back on printing and changed the lighting in store. We’ve also thought about how we deal with waste. Now, clothing that can no longer be sold is given to the homeless instead of being thrown away.”

Sustainable X director Rondi Allan said: “Watford businesses are now realising that embracing sustainability is good business: customers want to know that the companies they are buying from are doing the right thing.”

Fellow director Nick Reilly added: “What businesses don’t always realise is that they can save money and improve productivity by embracing sustainable business practices.”

Find out more by emailing WatfordBusiness@SustainableX.co.uk or calling 01727 309008.