The Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) is offering free support to any sized companies within the Wales Convergence areas, to help develop Environmental Management Systems.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the LCRI was set up to support the energy sector in Wales to develop low carbon generation and technologies. They also offer support and guidance to help businesses become greener and to improve their equality and diversity practices. This support could be used to enhance the environmental aspects of a construction project through greening the supply chain.

People want to deal with companies that are thinking about the environment and by making even small changes, they can begin to work towards environmental awards such as the Green Dragon Standard or BS8555, which are recognised nationally and have already been adopted by organisations across Wales.  This allows businesses to improve their corporate image, make financial savings, and improve their compliance with legislation.

Many clients now ask for environmental credentials as part of their tendering process and having a system such as Green Dragon in place will help companies to improve their green image and win more contracts.

Vintage Joinery is an example of one of the businesses who have recently received support from the LCRI. They are based in South Wales and produce bespoke & purpose made joinery. Their services are used by customers throughout the UK and include a range of high quality wood products for new build, period dwellings, listed buildings and retrofit, both commercially and domestically.

After undergoing an environmental audit and implementing new systems, Vintage Joinery has now achieved Level 2 of the Green Dragon Environmental Standard.

Following advice about legislation Vintage Joinery has also applied for an exemption from the Environment Agency that will allow them to re-use the sawdust waste they produce. This will allow them to divert about 1.4 tonnes of waste per annum from landfill, and will save the company about £1500 every year.

Matthew Jones, the LCRI’s Environmental Sustainability Officer said "Vintage Joinery have made significant efforts to ensure their impact on the environment has been minimised wherever  possible.  They've done this whilst maintaining working practices focussed on the highest quality product for their customers.  I think it's important those customers, and prospective others, can have these environmental credentials confirmed by a third-party standard such as Green Dragon”.

To receive free support for your business, contact Matthew on 02920 870923, email or visit the website