The ENVIBE Challenge launched in March 2006 and since its inception has worked with 18 local businesses to provide free, expert advice to improve their environmental performance with respect to waste, water, energy, travel and purchasing. 

Members received free expert support during the resource efficiency programme through a dedicated Envibe Challenge co-ordinator and learnt how to monitor and measure the businesses environmental performance through a range of processes including collecting their baseline data which identified strengths, weaknesses and priority areas of focus.  From there tailored environmental action plans were provided for those focus areas and implementation commenced.

Business introduced a range of activities including introduction of a range of recycling facilities, staff awareness campaigns, energy training, switch off campaigns, timers and monitoring meter readings, introducing water saving devices, establishing green champions, creating environmental policies and  embedding sustainable travel arrangements into the businesses. 

The Envibe Challenge held bi-monthly well attended workshops, regular one to ones between the businesses and The ENVIBE Challenge Coordinator with updates being received through regular communication.

Significant environmental improvements resulted in businesses being awarded the Silver ENVIBE Award and for some, the ENVIBE Gold Award.

When the Envibe Challenge Resource Efficiency Programme drew to a close in May 2008, businesses had reported savings of £500,000 with an average recycling rate of 50%.

Businesses that joined the Challenge are now in a very strong position to self manage their businesses environmental performance and many have reported improved corporate image, better staff morale and retention and great financial benefits.

The businesses that joined were:

• Amicus Horizon
• Centrale Shopping Centre
• CCHA
• Croydon Council
• EPS Projects Ltd
• Finford Management
• First Impressions Last Longer
• Futures Support and Supplies Services
• Home Office (Border and Immigration)
• ITC Concepts
• Jury’s Inn, Croydon
• Mondial Assistance Uk
• Mott MacDonald
• Mulalley’s
• Nestle Uk
• Newsquest Group
• The Whitgift Centre
• Westmead Business Centre