In Novemberlast year, Reading Cinemas joined the ‘Quick Steps for Sustainability’ programme, and a number of practical actions were identified to help the business improve efficiency and save money. 

Since then, some very quick progress and significant savings have been made, for example: 

·       A recycling collection has been established for cardboard and plastic. This reduced waste removal costs by 75% in the first two months, and amounted to $600 saved.

·       An electronic timer was installed on the ice machine, which reduced its operation (and electricity use) from 24 hours to 12 hours a day.

·       The running efficiency, and longevity, of some machinery has been improved by installing extraction fans to remove excess heat that was causing equipment to work harder than necessary.

·       Plastic containers have been provided in cinemas for customers to recycle their bottles and cans.

·       Torches are now run on rechargeable batteries and LED bulbs, which reduces hazardous waste and is more cost efficient.

For more information on the Quick Steps for Sustainability programme, contact Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45.

Thanks to WasteNet Southland and Southland Community Wastebusters Trust for providing this information.