|
More Support Needed For Enterprises Going Green
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, April 16, 2010
Despite up to 57% of companies in the UK believing that making their businesses more environmentally friendly will reduce their costs substantially over the next year, very few are currently doing so due to a lack of Government support, according to a recent report from business support group, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The findings, which reveal that an impressive 57% of enterprises have changed the way they operate their businesses due to concerns about the environment, show that 47% are now recycling their waste, with 32% taking measures to reduce their energy usage and 24% purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
The survey also found that 23% of businesses have made an effort to raise awareness of waste with their staff, with 19% sourcing their materials locally and seven percent using and encouraging the use of public transport.
Urging the Government to do more to help smaller companies go green, David Caro, chairman of the Federation and Energy Committee, says, “Many businesses want to become more environmentally friendly, but don't feel they have the support to do so.
“The FSB believes that the Government needs to give small businesses the incentive to pro-actively embrace the low carbon agenda, rather than force them through heavy-handed regulation,” he continues. “We are calling for more tailored advice and support for SME's, so that companies can maximise energy efficiency and the use of smart metering. It is also important that local recycling infrastructures be put in place to better meet the needs of local businesses that perhaps don't meet the high levels needed to take advantage of commercial recycling facilities.”
The findings, which reveal that an impressive 57% of enterprises have changed the way they operate their businesses due to concerns about the environment, show that 47% are now recycling their waste, with 32% taking measures to reduce their energy usage and 24% purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
The survey also found that 23% of businesses have made an effort to raise awareness of waste with their staff, with 19% sourcing their materials locally and seven percent using and encouraging the use of public transport.
Urging the Government to do more to help smaller companies go green, David Caro, chairman of the Federation and Energy Committee, says, “Many businesses want to become more environmentally friendly, but don't feel they have the support to do so.
“The FSB believes that the Government needs to give small businesses the incentive to pro-actively embrace the low carbon agenda, rather than force them through heavy-handed regulation,” he continues. “We are calling for more tailored advice and support for SME's, so that companies can maximise energy efficiency and the use of smart metering. It is also important that local recycling infrastructures be put in place to better meet the needs of local businesses that perhaps don't meet the high levels needed to take advantage of commercial recycling facilities.”
