IT is now increasingly recognised by businesses that "good environmental practice is good business practice."

Environmental improvements should be addressed in the same way as any other business issue - acknowledging that not everything can be sorted out immediately.

Many initial improvements are likely to be a matter of good housekeeping and commonsense, which can be introduced at little or no cost.

However, to achieve effective long-term environmental improvements, businesses need to consider the following key areas - legislation, community relations, waste, energy, water use, transport, pollution prevention, land use, market advantage and operational-process efficiency.

Green success also requires the commitment and involvement of the work- force, as day-to-day business practices will need to incorporate environmental consideration.

Thinking green and acting green, not to mention the energy enthusiasm and team effort by staff, has seen Wyre For-est District Council take huge strides towards putting its own in-house environmental policy - Greenprint 2000 - in place.

A spokesman for the council's Greendesk said: "We are well aware of the impact our organisation has on the environment. That's why we have developed our own 'environmental policy' to promote and encourage best environmental practice in everything we do.

"Since its launch in 1997 and its recent millennium update, we have monitored progress each year.

"It's not just kept to the office. Many employees have taken on the challenge in their own homes and reported savings in water, energy and waste."

Some of the council's green successes include:

6 An energy management unit to help save energy in its own buildings. This includes energy-saving measures like replacement windows, roof insulation, energy reports and more efficient heating systems.

6 Substantial amounts of water and energy have been saved in sports and leisure centres thanks to efficiency improvements.

Over the last year, the council has manage to cut back 10 per cent on the amount of energy and water it uses thanks to measures such as insta-lling movement sensors which turn off lights automatically when areas are not in use, switching over to low-energy lightbulbs, reducing water leaks from taps and showers, and introducing more efficient heating units at the Glades leisure centre.

A recent independent report praised the sports and leisure centres for their "very strong energy conservation approach".

Over the next year it is hoped to save even more energy -- and money - as more improvements are made, such as fitting a removable swimming pool cover at Stourport Sports Centre to reduce overnight energy loss.

6 Most of the council's waste paper is recycled and there is a sustainable office guide to help make wise decisions when buying or using materials at work.

6 Trying to reduce car usage in the council - every year it is actively involved in green transport week and car-free day, resulting in a number of employees "putting their best foot forward" to get involved. The council is also encouraging staff to use motorbikes or bicycles to get to work, by setting up a special allowance scheme.

Information on energy-saving and environmentally sound ideas which can be used in the workplace can be obtained from the Greendesk on 01562 732754.

Or people can visit the green advice shop every third Thursday of the month in Kidderminster Library.