Just 1% of businesses have measured their carbon footprints despite growing awareness of climate change, according to new research from the Carbon Trust.
The report, which surveyed the attitudes of 700 UK businesses, shows that many companies have still not taken any action to reduce their carbon emissions.
Tom Delay, CEO of the Carbon Trust said: “The picture is mixed as businesses are still yet to move in some key areas.
“By measuring and assessing a business’ impact through undertaking a carbon foot printing exercise a company can better understand where carbon reductions can be made and cost savings achieved.”
However, many businesses believe that there is money to be made out of climate change with 27% citing it as a ‘business opportunity’.
Delay says the research is a positive sign for UK businesses as it shows that firms are responding to climate change.
Also, there is some evidence to suggest that the last two years have been a turning point for many businesses in terms of putting new policies into place designed to tackle the issue.
However, the survey suggests that it is larger businesses that are the most likely to be capitalising on the issue.
“This is very encouraging, and shows UK business is on the move on climate change,” he said.
“Larger businesses in particular are beginning to understand the opportunities climate change presents and are working out how best to exploit them.”
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