The cost calculator from the VDI Centre for Resource Efficiency provides a practical introduction to a resource-based cost accounting. Companies can use it to analyse cost structures, and material and energy flows to identify areas of potential saving and investment.

The calculating tool consists of three modules which can either be used separately or hand-in-hand:

• a cost structure calculator,
• a material flow cost calculator,
• an investment calculator. 

This tool provides a number of questionnaires about the resource efficiency of different production processes and buildings. After the questionnaire has been filled in, the tool identifies areas for improvement and sources of further information. Different questionnaires are available for different processes: surface coating, fine chemicals, polymers, paint and printed circuit technology, and metal work. Questionnaires referring to resource efficiency in buildings include checks for hospitals, lifts and water management.

Carbon Trust online tools that enable a company to work with employees to reduce water, energy and waste, and the overall impact of CO2. The system offers one-week free trial to organisations. This free tool is to help office workers commit to making carbon and cost savings at work, through online tutorials, virtual tours, a quiz, and other interactive elements (requires registration).

A suite of resources to assist a user in developing a financial business case. The accompanying guide shows users how to prepare a robust business case to support a proposed investment decision, and how to present a strong investment case to senior management or external lenders. Business Wales currently offers the Resource Efficient Wales programme, which helps companies to review their energy, water and waste options.

Tools, guides and reports to help businesses or public-sector organisations address climate change and harness the economic benefits of moving to a low-carbon economy. Also includes Energy Eficiency webinars. 

The Carbon Trust website provides a number of tools and guidance to minimise waste and its impact on CO2 emissions.

Engaging employees in making a company more efficient can deliver great results. Your Workplace Without Waste is an employee engagement programme to inspire staff to throw away less food and packaging. A suite of materials, tools and templates to assist users, train staff, start green teams and run effective campaigns.

Fun activities help employees to:

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) offers a paid on-line training course to develop user skills, helping them to identify and implement best practices in waste management. The course comprises a series of short modules with supporting guides, tools and templates charged separately. 

An online searchable database of organisations in Scotland that implemented resource efficiency measures. Each organisation is featured as a case study outlining the key measures, and carbon and cost savings. In addition, some organisations welcome site visits by others wishing to install similar measures. The database is searchable by postcode, sector, and technology/measure.

A suite of resources to assist a user in developing a financial business case. The accompanying guide shows users how to prepare a robust business case to support a proposed investment decision, and how to present a strong investment case to senior management or external lenders.

A Microsoft® Excel™ based tool helps users to compare alternative heat and fuel sources at the design stage of new-build or refurbishment projects. It guides the user through various pages to supply specific inputs relevant to the heat and fuel sources appraised. The resulting data provides valuable insight on: annual fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cost, and the net present value of an investment (graphically displayed as printable charts).