UK businesses are making positive changes to reduce their environmental impact, now the government must “step up its game”, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.  

The BCC calculates that UK businesses have made £1.1bn in energy efficiency savings in the last 12 months.

According to the survey, nine out of 10 companies have recycling policies in place and just over half use energy efficient products.

The incentive for businesses to make the change appears to be less than altruistic – nine in ten respondents claimed that spiralling energy costs were likely to influence their response to climate change.

The findings of the report emphasise the need for the Carbon Trust, the government body established to assist businesses with reducing carbon emissions, to engage with smaller businesses.

The survey showed that just a quarter of businesses had used the Carbon Trust’s services and a significant number of those who have are larger organisations, highlighting the need for effective advice and assistance for small and medium sized firms.

Director general of the BCC David Frost said business have demonstrated their commitment to the climate change agenda, and now it is time for the government to do the same.

“If the government is going to meet ambitious emissions targets, it needs to refocus the Carbon Trust onto the wider business community where they stand the best chance of hitting these targets.

“Businesses are clearly doing their bit, but if the government is serious about reaching the targets it will have to step up its game,” he commented.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008