Employees in companies across Wales can now sign up to the second phase of a free online training scheme to help them understand the benefits of resource efficiency.

The training, run by sustainability experts Envirowise Wales, is designed for all company staff regardless of their job role or seniority level.

The first phase of the scheme was launched in June last year and provided a comprehensive overview of resource efficiency, together with practical tips on waste reduction.

Phase two of the training launched on New Years’ Day and is intended for individuals who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of resource efficiency. Participants will receive a briefing on current environmental legislation, learn how to encourage behaviour change in their organisation, and receive practical information on greener packaging.

Detailed information on following good environmental systems and processes will also be provided.

All individuals who complete the second phase of the training, which takes approximately two and a half hours, will receive a Certificate in Resource Efficiency from Envirowise Wales as recognition.

Tim Lineham, Programme Manager for Envirowise in Wales, said: “With everyone pulling in the same direction, Welsh businesses can drive through real improvements in environmental practice – and this was our starting point when designing this free training.

“We hope that this scheme will prove attractive to business people across Wales. For a relatively small investment in time, anyone can equip themselves with the knowledge and practical skills to reduce the environmental impact of their company. In many cases, these changes can also lead to cost savings so there is a strong commercial reason for taking part as well.”

The online training forms part of the Envirowise Convergence programme, part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, which aims to help companies maximise the financial and environmental benefits of improved resource efficiency. Under EC Regulation 1998/2006 (DeMinimis Aid Regulation) as published in the Official Journal of the European Union 28-12-06, the support provided is a Deminimis aid.

For more details on the training modules, and to sign up, visit www.envirowisewales.org.uk/online-training or email wales@envirowisewales.org.uk.