Green Economy
Green Business Case Studies
In 2019, Kingston Council declared a Climate Emergency and in 2022 approved its Climate Action Plan. The council aims to reach net zero in its operations by 2030, while helping the wider borough reach net zero by 2038.
Recognising the important role that businesses play in addressing climate change and the challenges they face when aiming to reach Net Zero, the council developed the Green Business Challenge initiative.
Micro and small-sized businesses across Kingston were invited in late 2021 to apply to this pilot project, providing them the opportunity to complete free environmental audits between December 2021 and June 2024. Each business used the Green Mark framework to assess their environmental performance and in doing so, identify opportunities for improvement.
Key benefits for the businesses included:
- Resource efficiency and managing environmental impact
- Reducing operational costs
- Improving reputation and attracting customers
- Better understanding of regulations to help avoid fines
- Attracting investment
- The following businesses took part in the pilot and were able to achieve Green Mark accreditation:
The following businesses took part in the pilot and were able to achieve Green Mark accreditation:
| Company name | 2022-23 accreditation level | 2023-24 accreditation level |
|---|---|---|
| BeesMAX Ltd | Level 1 | Level 1 |
| Coinwash | Level 1 | Did not enter |
| IQ in IT LTD | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Riverside Vegetaria ltd | Level 2 | Did not enter |
| KAPDAA - The Offcut Company | Level 1 | Did not enter |
| Lewis Hospitality Ltd | Level 2 | Level 2 |
| Surbiton Fish & Chips | Level 1 | Level 1 |
| Optionsbiz Shop Limited | Level 1 | Level 1 |
| Ecowelle | Did not enter | Level 1 |
| JNDC Ltd | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Kingston Accountants Ltd | Level 1 | Level 1 |
| Sustainable Electrical | Did not enter | Level 1 |
| Vine House | Did not enter | Level 1 |
As part of the process, businesses received funding from Kingston Council, ranging from £2,000 to £3,000 per business, to help implement positive changes that could drive efficiencies, reduce emissions, and lower costs.
Participating businesses received grants totaling up to £31,000, and considering their contributions, they were able to make improvements that cost over £42,000. Key measures taken as part of the scheme included:
- 10 businesses developed Environmental Policies.
- 9 businesses implemented energy efficiency measures, such as installing LEDs, sensors, valves, and new air conditioners.
- 2 businesses adopted water efficiency and rainwater harvesting measures.
- 3 businesses enhanced biodiversity by installing a green wall, hanging pots, and a worm box.
- 2 businesses purchased bikes, accessories, and bike racks to support sustainable transport across the borough.
Other actions taken by some businesses included purchasing new printers and receiving expert support.
The individual business case studies provide an overview of the pilot scheme and its outcomes.
All businesses discussed in the case studies are members of the Kingston Green Business Community, a free-to-join network of businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors based or operating in Kingston borough. The community aims to help members save resources, reduce their environmental impact, and lower operational costs.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This case study blog is a collaborative effort between Kingston Council and Green Mark. We acknowledge the contributions of the Green Mark team and the participating businesses in collecting, collating, and presenting the information for these case studies.
Read the case studies from JNDC, IT in IQ and The Lamb.
This project was funded by Kingston Council and Central Government COVID-19 related funding for businesses.