Government 'needs to help companies go green'

News Article - 08 August 2008
Category: Environment

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has called on the government to provide more help for smaller businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

A report by the IoD, Energy Efficiency - Joining the Use-less Generation, claims small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could increase their energy efficiency by 20 per cent.

It adds by doing this, companies could control costs and reduce the UK's reliance on imported energy.

The survey revealed more than 60 per cent of those questioned did not have an energy management policy and 52 per cent did not have a person who was in charge of energy management.

Introducing carbon accounting software is one way firms can demonstrate social responsibility, in addition to giving themselves a competitive edge.

David Boomer, head of energy efficiency and climate change at the IoD, said: "There are significant opportunities available for business to both improve its energy efficiency and reduce corresponding carbon dioxide emissions."

This comes after the Forum of Private Business advised SMEs could make savings by cutting down on waste.

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