Innovation in Services Consultation

DBERR (Department for Bussiness, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) has launched a consultation on 'Innovation in Services'. The press release states that

"This is a high profile cross-government project, reporting to BERR ministers Spring 2008 to: A) deepen understanding of innovation in service sectors; and B) assess what practical actions Government should take to stimulate and support service sector innovation. The project is business led focussing on retail, logistics, construction and environmental services."

Responses from the retail sector are particularly welcome. The deadline for responses is 31st August. More details can be found at: Link

EnviroMall Week

This week is EnviroMall Week (18th to 25th August). The initiative aims to encourage shoppers to make a pledge to help combat climate change – The target is 1 million pledges!

EnviroMall is run by the Mall company, which operates a number of town centre shopping malls around the UK. Project partners include the Carbon Trust and Envirowise.

More information can be found at: www.enviromall.co.uk

CIWM - Sustainable Retailer of the Year

The Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) has included an award for Sustainable Retailer of the Year in its annual Awards for Environmental Excellence. The aim of the award is to "promote and celebrate sustainability excellence within retailers, from large chain stores to small independent outlets.

Entries can include:
- Changes to products sold
- Changes to the sourcing of products
- The sustainability of the production and transport of goods
- The environmental impact of the products used in the management of the store
- The reduction in waste produced and increase in materials recycled
- The influence of the store on the purchasing decisions of consumers
- The impact on the local community
- The global warming impact of the store

The deadline for submissions is 31st August.
More information can be found at www.ciwmawards.com