FSB calls on government to enhance green ‘incentives’

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the government to expand the current loan scheme for companies wishing to go green.

A new report produced by the lobby group has also discovered that the government needs to provide incentives for firms to make their buildings more environmentally friendly.

The FSB believes that these measures are necessary if the UK is expected to reduce its carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

The report entitled: ‘Making sense of going green – small businesses and low carbon economy’ looks at the ways that small businesses can play their part.

The FSB believes that to get small business owners to proactively embrace energy efficiency, the government needs to make going green economically viable.

While many small businesses understand the benefits of green investment, the upfront cost is a huge disincentive.

Peter Davys, FSB Manchester and North Cheshire national councillor, said: “The need to cut carbon emissions and the predicted increase in the cost of energy over the coming decade means that the move to a low carbon economy is more of an economic imperative than ever.

“In order to achieve the tough targets set by the government, it must ensure that it makes economic sense for the UK’s 4.8 million small firms to go green.

“Small businesses can play a huge part in the UK’s fight against climate change and we urge the government to harness this potential when it publishes its Energy Bill, expected later this parliament.”