Experts estimate that up to 11 % of the 'cradle-to-factory gate' carbon footprint of a 100 % polyester ladies top, for example, is due to the yarn dyeing stage. Coloured polyester fibres may be more expensive than standard uncoloured ones since they include the cost of dye pigments added before the extrusion process. However, by eliminating this wet dyeing process, money is saved on water and chemicals, and energy savings are also achieved.

Biomass boilers mean cosy cottages year-round

Get the specs right from the outset... and save!

• Assumptions about materials and processes can lead to over-specification and end up costing more
• Matching real requirements to specifications can save significant raw materials and associated costs

Bradagh Interiors knew that tailoring the type of wall framing stud used to suit the needs of a specific job could result in significant savings through reduced waste tonnages and material costs.

Light at the end of the... warehouse!

Trimming down for the... winter

• Priority for a Scottish sports club was to upgrade its ageing heating and insulation
• With the budget available, experts advised against low-hanging fruit like new lighting, at this stage 

Inverness Tennis and Squash Club is a hub for the local community providing a range of sports facilities including a gym, fitness studio and sauna.

More bam from your BIM!

The Lobster Pod is an innovative, patent pending live shellfish storage and transportation system. It has been scientifically proven to increase survival to over 99 % from an industry average of 85 %, saving waste and helping create sustainable fisheries. The quality of the shellfish is improved by utilising a unique controlled atmosphere system which creates optimum conditions for lobster, crab, langoustine and other shellfish species.

Swannay racks up savings on new equipment

The sun... perfect for energy and ice-cream sales

• Sustainable farm in the UK combines, wind, sun and biomass power plants
• Combined, these renewable sources meet 70 % of the farm's energy needs

Mackie's farm in Scotland is proud of its renewable energy mix, which draws only minimally from the central grid.

Effective, controllable heating systems can help businesses to reduce energy consumption, with associated cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

Heating in the workplace is most effective – and energy efficient – when systems enable different temperatures to be controlled in different rooms. This avoids the need to heat the whole premises when, for example, only a few meeting rooms are in use.

It can also improve the thermal comfort of employees, which can have positive implications for health and wellbeing.