Go green to beat economic downturn

BUSINESSES could help beat the economic downturn by going green according to a new report.

Waste prevention, using less raw materials and energy recovery will be crucial to saving UK companies money in the face of economic recession, according to new research carried out by sustainable business experts Envirowise.

The findings follow a 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.

The research, says Envirowise, 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.

Elaine Sharp, a programme manager at 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, eliminating waste and ultimately raising environmental standards.”

Research by various bodies over the past three years has seen a changing attitude towards environmental practices.

MORI research in 2005 showed 60% of businesses had adopted an environmental policy compared to just 11% in 2003.

Growing legislation is also increasingly 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 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.