Shropshire Chamber member E4environment Ltd provides professional, practical advice to both public and private sector clients on a range of environmental issues. While the company initially specialised in renewable energy and waste management, its services have expanded alongside the sector’s growth. Today, E4environment provides support from legal advice and updates to carbon footprinting.

With corporate social responsibility (CSR) becoming increasingly important, E4environment is proud to be at the forefront of helping businesses improve their environmental and social impact.

We recently caught up with the team at E4 to gain valuable insights into how companies can step up their own CSR game.

When asked why CSR is important to them, Deborah Cairns-Stoll, Director at E4environment shared, “Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t just a business buzzword - it underpins how we believe companies should operate to be more effective. For us, it’s about taking ownership of the impact we have on the world, environmentally, socially, and economically. These areas are deeply interconnected, and CSR gives us a framework to act responsibly across all of them.

“We’re passionate about helping businesses do better. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes good business sense too.”

So, how can businesses improve their CSR?

As unexciting as it may sound, the first step to improving CSR is understanding legal obligations, auditing operations, and identifying areas for improvement. To support businesses on this journey, E4environment has developed a practical tool called Sustainable Leaders in Business. It’s designed for companies that want to improve their environmental performance but aren’t sure where to begin or have stalled and need help moving forward.

Key features include:

  • Legal compliance checks
  • Action plans with specific tasks based on goals
  • A tick-off system to easily monitor progress in areas like waste and energy

 “This has a lot of what we know in it, so it’s an immensely valuable tool,” says Dr. Mandy Stoker, Director of E4.

Shropshire Chamber members even get 15% off the tool with the Member2Member offer E4 have published until November: https://www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk/dashboard/member-offers/2893-15-off-sustainable-leaders-in-business

A blooming brilliant idea

While working with their client Castle Carpets to explore sustainable sourcing and waste reuse, discussions led to a ‘blooming’ fantastic idea.

They discovered an innovative way to repurpose leftover wool carpet cutoffs into a wildflower carpet concept…

So, picture it. Mandy explains, “You take the cutoff carpet, that would otherwise have no use, put a layer of compost on, throw a load of seeds on, wait for it to bloom, and then you’ve got your wildflower garden! Wool carpet is high in nitrogen providing a natural fertiliser. It’s a bit like having turf - a roll of carpet seeded with your flowers. You could put it on your roof, on your lawn, anywhere really.”

For their client, this resulted in a meaningful sustainability impact, new marketing opportunities, and potential circular economy solution.

Quick tips to get started

For those eager to improve their own operations, E4environment suggests a few quick tips that can be acted on right away:

  • Know your baseline – energy use, waste, travel.
  • Understand the law – current and upcoming regulations.
  • Identify your biggest impact area – focus efforts there.
  • Engage employees – especially younger staff who will shape the future.
  • Use your supply chain wisely – ask questions, seek sustainable options.

Knowing where you currently stand and the impact you have is crucial. Once you have this nailed down, you can start to make small steps, and soon, you will be contributing hugely to the environment.

“One of our clients saved thousands on their energy bill in the last 10 – 15 years, just by understanding their position and becoming more mindful,” said Deborah.

Supporting Shropshire’s agriculture sector

E4environment also emphasises the importance of tailoring sustainability efforts to different industries, especially agriculture. Farming businesses face unique challenges and operate within their own dynamic, community-driven culture.

Mandy Stoker explains, “The rules are different if you’re in agriculture… And we do have to deal with them separately.”

Farmers often rely on trusted peer networks rather than external consultants. By gaining their trust and understanding the specific legislation that applies to agriculture, E4 ensures that sustainability support is both relevant and effective across Shropshire’s diverse business landscape.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your sustainability journey, you can reach out to E4environment at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Shropshire Chamber encourages local businesses to share best practice around sustainability, whether it’s tips, tricks, offers, or success stories. If you’ve got something to share with the Shropshire business community, get in touch with our marketing team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..