More than 85% of companies questioned by sustainable business expert Envirowise on environmental measures to cut costs, chose the above actions as a way to make their businesses more profitable. The findings follow a recent warning by the British Chamber of Commerce on firms facing "a difficult and risky climate" in the next six to nine months with recession looming.

 Envirowise claimed the research shows growing recognition that waste minimisation and resource efficiency have become business imperatives in the current economic climate if companies are going to reduce costs and keep up their green credentials.

 "With fuel, energy and raw material costs continuing to rise and changes in the economy persisting in creating challenging marketplaces, there has never been a better time to lead the way in using resources wisely, eliminating waste and ultimately raising environmental standards," said Elaine Sharp, a programme manager for Envirowise.

 Research by various bodies over the past three years has shown a changing attitude towards environmental practices. MORI research in 2005 saw three in five businesses (60%) with an environmental policy compared to just 11% in 2003.

 "The change in management thinking away from the early 90s focus on sales and labour has obviously had an impact. UK businesses are increasingly recognising that resource efficiency is not an expense but a money saving measure to be embraced and a responsibility that should be shared between employers and employees to have the biggest impact," added Sharp.

 Growing legislation is also increasingly driving businesses to adopt greener practices with directors being held personally liable for the environmental conduct of their companies, claimed Envirowise.

In the past 10 years, the courts handed out £3M in fines as well as almost eight years behind bars and more than 170 days of community service to company directors for non compliance to legislation.

Envirowise has also launched a new guide to help digital printing companies improve their environmental credentials and save money.

The Digital Printing Good Practice Guide is available to download for free from the Envirowise website at: www.envirowise.gov.uk/digital-print. Or call the advice line: 0800 585 794.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---