Environment
Saving the environment could save businesses, research claims
Environmental measures could combat the economic downturn, according to research by government-funded sustainable business programme Envirowise.
It revealed that 85% of companies questioned believed waste prevention using fewer raw materials and energy recovery would be "crucial" to save UK companies money.
Envirowise – which offers independent environmental advice to a range of sectors – said it recognised that waste management has become a business imperative.
Elaine Sharp, a programme manager for Envirowise, said: "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."
Growing legislation is also driving businesses to adopt greener practices with directors being held personally liable for the environmental conduct of their companies.
In the past 10 years, the courts have handed out £3m in fines, as well as almost eight years in jail and more than 170 days of community service, to company directors for non-compliance to legislation.
Since 1994, Envirowise said it has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by enabling them to reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers independent advice to businesses on green issues
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Comments
Mick Hart - 11 September 2008
This is a very optimistic view, and I hope it is correct. However the opposite could be just as true, that the economic downturm could in fact combat environmental measures. The costs of environmental improvements in the short term may well be avoided by firms stuggling in the current economic climate. Some companies will undoubtedly cut corners, and postpone investment in environmental measures simply to survive.
It is true however that companies will have to look to save on materials and fuel, and I'm sure the average business person will have failed completely to grasp that fact. As usual, government funding results in only half of the obvious being stated - the other half being left for us to work out for free! It is great to see our taxes being put to such good and constructive use.
Steve Carter - 11 September 2008
Elaine is referring to the Accounts Modernization Directive which requires Directors to account for the environmental impact their business creates when trading. The directive is far from clear and Directors could easily fall short of their obligations.
Our research indicates that the current economic downturn will slow progress toward better environmental practice. Legislation is the only way to ensure change, but if this is at extra cost the impact could increase the risk of further business failures. The important thing is to understand the environmental and especially the carbon risk and the potential costs, plan ahead and be ready to implement change when it is required.
www.carbonnegative-worldwide.co.uk
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