RETAILERS are set to net £48,000 in savings by introducing environmental measures.Fifteen stores at Chelmsford's High Chelmer Shopping Centre agreed to take part in a campaign to reduce waste last autumn.

By Sarah Chambers

RETAILERS are set to net £48,000 in savings by introducing environmental measures.

Fifteen stores at Chelmsford's High Chelmer Shopping Centre agreed to take part in a campaign to reduce waste last autumn.

The shopping centre is one of four across the country taking part in the Managed Shopping Centre initiative, run by Envirowise, an organisation which helps retailers at the centres to identify ways to reduce unnecessary waste and use resources more efficiently.

The campaign has identified £48,000 worth of potential savings the retailers could make.

The shopping centre and each of the retailers involved were given the opportunity to receive a free on-site resource efficiency review from an Envirowise expert. Stores got the chance to discuss issues relating to their waste, and energy and water use and develop a tailored plan of action.

Envirowise made recommendations to the centre and its stores, including increasing recycling of plastic and polythene which could help save a collective £25,000 a year.

Retailers were also advised to check that timers and temperature controls for heating and ventilation systems were set correctly and make sure window display areas and emersion heaters were also fitted with timers to reduce energy use overnight.

It was also recommended that more than 1,000 cubic litres of water could be saved each year if companies implemented straightforward measures such as fitting push taps and cistern bags in the toilets.

High Chelmer centre manager Mick McDonagh said it was important to look at ways of reducing waste.

“With the general public becoming increasingly aware of retailers' environmental policies, it is important for us to work together with organisations like Envirowise to identify improved ways to reduce waste,” he said.

“This campaign has helped us to identify substantial savings at a time when energy and utility costs continue to rise.”

Chris Hodgson, Managed Shopping Centre project manager at Envirowise said: “The High Chelmer Shopping Centre is one of four shopping centres leading the way in environmental responsibility and we are delighted with the positive response from retailers involved.

“This approach should act as a blueprint for management best practice at other shopping centres wanting to make similar savings in the future.”

The other Managed Shopping Centre participants are Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, The Mall Arndale at Luton and the Trafford Centre in Manchester.