November has marked the beginning of a new green emphasis placed on business across the south east of Ireland.

Firms have been urged to reduce costs by making improvements to their environmental performance.

The EcoCert scheme is a joint collaboration between Laois and Offaly County Councils, Waterford City Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental specialists Econcertive.

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Its launch coincides with European Waste Reduction Week.

Ann-Marie Kelly, Environmental Awareness Officer with Laois County Council, said that although most businesses know how to reduce their day-to-day costs, some do not have the time or expertise to look for environmental savings.

The EcoCert scheme provides an environmental advisor who identifies these savings for the organisation and also helps them put in place a simple system to keep them improving.

"With this subsidised approach, participating businesses can expect to save more than they spend while at the same time reduce their environmental impact," said Ms Kelly.

(PR/KMcA)