Lack of investment thwarting ‘green-minded’

News Article - 29 June 2011
Category: Environment

A WorksManagement.co.uk survey reveals that a number of 'green minded' manufacturers across the UK are failing to pioneer low carbon technologies simply due to the lack of investment cash available to fund such enhancements.

Almost a third of manufacturers surveyed believed that a lack of outside funding was their major obstacle in going green.

Meanwhile half of respondents admitted that additional financial perks or investment aid would motivate them to improve their green standards quicker.

There was however overwhelming support for the overall green agenda amongst manufacturers, with 99 per cent voting in favour of low carbon manufacturing.

However, a number of manufacturers slammed existing UK green policy, claiming Government legislation was damaging their competitiveness on a global scale.

One respondent said: "We are put at a significant disadvantage against our fellow manufacturers in Europe.

If the aim is to drive production out of the UK to reduce emissions, then the policy is well on track."

Another concerned respondent voiced concerns that small companies simply cannot cover the cost of implementing low carbon technologies.

"Small companies don't have the resource and as with many things can't make the savings to cover the cost of technical help and set up costs," they said.

The March Budget revealed Government plans to implement a £16 per tonne floor price on Carbon emissions, with over a third of respondents concerned of being hit with costs approaching £50,000 a year once the surcharge is launched across manufacturers.

Meanwhile numerous respondents were keen to see the Government "level the playing field" between UK and global manufacturers by taxing imports that fell short of UK environmental standards.

It is pleasing to see that despite investment frustrations, the majority of UK manufacturers are championing green friendly practice in the workplace.

Over 90 per cent of manufacturers now recycle paper or card, while 54 per cent have a nominated on-site green champion.

Article keywords: WorksManagement.co.uk, green manufacturing, low carbon technology, green investment, Budget, environmental standards,

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