Biosphere And Business

The Biosphere Reserve is continually looking at ways that it can help businesses maximise the benefit they receive from the environment and things it can do to preserve and sustain that environment for future generations.

Sustainable seas.

Much of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve is sea. Is it being used sustainably? Find out about what North Devon fishermen are doing to improve the health of fish stocks and how other proposals to use the sea can make descision making a challenge.

Biosphere Reserve Business Charter

We are developing a scheme for Businesses to share in the success fo the Biosphere Brand through stages of sustainable accreditation - this is our Business Charter. In return for the accreditation the business will be able to gain market advantage with customers seeking a world class environmental credential. Accredited businesses will be shown on the map in this website.

For more information and advice on registering, contact Andy Bell

Supporting sustainable tourism

Going green is a better way to operate as a tourism business.

Save money by:

• Increasing efficiency - reduce some of your biggest costs; water, electricity and gas by using them more efficiently.
• Reducing waste - Waste is a double cost - wasted money on purchasing and wasted money on disposal.

Increase revenue by:

• Adding appeal - Customers increasingly expect businesses to operate in a responsible way and will respond positively to those able to demonstrate that they have taken action.
• Adding quality - things like buying local can add quality as well as increasing customer appeal.

Being green could also make your business more resilient. Things you do now will make you better prepared for the higher costs and tougher legislation predicted for the future, as well as the impacts of climate change.

The South West Climate Change Partnership (SWCCIP) and South West Tourism have produced a new DVD called Changing Climate - Changing Business' to help tourism businesses adapt to the impacts of climate change. Full version

 A 6 minute, summary version can be viewed at the top of this page

A Green Tourism Business Scheme has been launched in the South West. Working with the advisors Envision, the Biosphere reserve team have been helping businesses get to grips with the changes they need to make to be accredited under this scheme.

RE4D - Free and independent renewable energy advice for Devon supported by Devon County Council and the Southwest Regional Development Agency.