Investors in the Environment is a not-for-profit scheme run by people who have years of experience working with the business sector. This, coupled with the results of research and consultation with local businesses, means that the scheme is highly focused on what you want to achieve with an overarching aim for more sustainable businesses.
Here is a list of reasons why Investors in the Environment is different to other accreditations, green business schemes, environment management systems and environment standards:
Independent and unbiased support
Because we are a not-for-profit organisation, any support or recommendations we provide will be independent and free from bias.
Flexible options for your involvement
Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to find the resources to implement environmental management systems to gain accreditation. Unlike ISO14001, which some SMEs see as a fairly expensive ‘all-or-nothing’ standard, Investors in the Environment is broken down into three different levels: Bronze, Silver and Green, and we help and promote our members for their environmental achievements.
An affordable way to gain environmental accreditation
Bronze accreditation level is only £150 +VAT for the year, so it really doesn’t cost much to take those first simple steps to becoming greener. Even top level Green costs just £300 +VAT for the year, so whether you are moving through the levels or just going straight for Green, it can be budgeted for without prohibitive investment. Because we are a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus we make is invested straight back into offering more for your business.
Gain accreditation at a pace that suits you
We know that with limited time and resources, environment management systems and accreditations aren’t always first on the priorities list. With Investors in the Environment you can achieve each level of accreditation as quickly as a month, or as long as a year. We can support and encourage you every step of the way (if you need it).
Access to support from environmental experts
Environmental management systems and accreditations might be new to you so we have toolkits, templates, case studies and advice to help you along the way. You can access some support now via our helpful links page or our free green services page.
Our green directory also gives you access to hundreds of organisations providing different types of products and services. Between them, they can help you improve your green performance, such as reducing your energy usage. The directory also means you can source suppliers that demonstrate green credentials, helping you create a sustainable supply chain.
Publicity opportunities for your business
There’s no harm in gaining wider recognition for your achievements, so we will publicise news of organisations who achieve their accreditation (and any individual improvements in key environment impact areas) on our success stories page, at our annual awards ceremony, through our media links, as well as in our monthly e-newsletter which is sent to hundreds of businesses.
