Transforming Sustainability in a Small Business
A Journey with Fifty Shades Greener
A Vision for a Greener Business...
Meet Andrea Wenner, the inspiring force behind Mount Brandon Cottages in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Andrea, who hails from Germany, has always had a strong connection to sustainability, thanks to her upbringing. Running a small business on her own, Andrea was determined to make her operations as environmentally friendly as possible but needed a clear path forward. That’s when she discovered Fifty Shades Greener’s Green Business Programme, designed to help businesses like hers navigate the journey toward sustainability with simplicity and impact.
Our Friendly Approach: Simple Steps to Big Change
Andrea chose our Green Business Programme because she needed a practical, straightforward approach to sustainability that wouldn't overwhelm her already busy schedule. The program, which includes our Green Manager Programme, provided her with easy-to-follow modules that covered the essentials of energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation. With our guidance, Andrea was able to:
Upgrade to Energy Efficiency
She swapped out old lighting for energy-saving LEDs, installed PV panels alongside the already existing solar panels, and added a Zappi car charger, as well as run-back timers for immersions, reducing her reliance on non-renewable energy.
Tackle Waste Head-On
Andrea developed a comprehensive waste segregation system, expanded her composting efforts, and implemented water harvesting techniques to minimise waste and maximise resource use.
Track and Improve
Using Green Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Andrea began regularly monitoring her business’s carbon footprint, turning what was once a daunting task into a manageable and even exciting routine.
Impactful Results: A 60% Reduction in Energy Use and More
The transformation Andrea achieved through the Green Business Programme has been nothing short of remarkable:
Energy Savings
Between 2022 and 2023, Andrea managed to reduce her energy consumption by an impressive 60%. This was no small feat for a small business, especially one managed by a single person.
Increased Environmental Awareness
The programme heightened Andrea’s awareness of her business’s energy and waste, leading to immediate actions, such as fixing a hidden water mains leak, that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Creating a Sustainability Culture
Andrea’s commitment to green practices didn’t just stop with her; it extended to her guests as well. Many of them have become more conscious of their energy use during their stays, thanks to the sustainable practices Andrea has implemented.
Andrea’s Experience in Her Own Words
When asked about her green journey, Andrea reflected, “The time I invested in the programme has paid off immensely. At first, it was a challenge to fit everything in, especially with the demands of running my business and personal commitments abroad. But I stuck with it, and now, tasks like entering data into the FSG portal have become second nature. The knowledge I’ve gained and the cost savings I’ve seen make it all worthwhile.”
Lessons Learned: Key Insights for Success
Andrea’s experience offers several valuable lessons for other Small and Medium Enterprise owners:
Time is an Investment:
Andrea found that dedicating time to the program, despite her busy schedule, was crucial. The initial effort paved the way for long-term benefits.
From Awareness to Action:
The programme didn’t just provide theoretical knowledge; it empowered Andrea to take meaningful steps to reduce her environmental impact.
Profitability Meets Sustainability:
Andrea’s efforts proved that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, with the right approach, they can go hand in hand.
Next Steps: Continuing the Journey Towards Sustainability
For Andrea, completing the Green Business Programme was just the beginning. She is already looking ahead to her next sustainability goals, which include further investments in renewable energy, like additional PV panels. She is also investigating the possibility of installing a tulip wind turbine and heat pumps, to completely eliminate her reliance on fossil fuels. Andrea is committed to continuing her green journey, making her business even more sustainable and setting an example for other Small and Medium Enterprises to follow.
Ready to Make a Change?
Andrea’s journey shows that with the right tools and support, sustainability is within reach for any business—no matter the size. If you’re inspired by her story and want to start your own green journey, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut costs, or simply do your part for the planet, our Green Business Programme is designed to make sustainability easy and impactful. Ready to get started? Let’s chat and turn your vision into reality!
