Businesses in the UK are still confused about climate change issues, research reveals.
Findings from a study called Greener Business – Opportunity of Risk, carried out by Kaizo show that despite recent media coverage nearly half of respondents believe their business is not doing enough to combat climate change.
The study also showed that just over three quarters of respondents do not know the carbon footprint of their business.
Senior consultant at Kaizo Christopher Broadbent said: “The results of the Kaizo survey are alarming in that they expose a resistance to change seemingly fuelled by confusion, narrow scope and an assumption that ‘green clothing’ can be a substitute for action.”
The research also shows that UK businesses see climate change as a PR issue rather than a factor that will actually have any impact on their business. Overall 64% did not rate climate change as an important influence on business management strategy and 41% of respondents felt the biggest commercial opportunity was a boost to brand reputation.
“Many businesses in the UK are not waking up to the broader commercial importance of sustainability, and the remarkable commercial benefits adapting business models to it can bring, let alone the moral imperative. Regarding ‘going green’ as a purely PR exercise is not only futile it is damaging,” added Broadbent.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
