Recession makes firms environmentally friendly

According to research by sustainability programme, Envirowise, businesses are likely to continue to be thrifty with their spending once we enter economic recovery.

The research found that at least three quarters of businesses now have a more in-depth knowledge of their spending and use of resources than they did before the recession started.

The report also shows that the biggest cutback by businesses is 38% on raw materials and consumables. In addition to this the report revealed that a large number of small businesses have also reduced water, energy and transport consumption.

Envirowise's Strategic Partnerships Director, Simon Drury, commented that small businesses in particular have faced serious challenges as a consequence of the economic downturn and "this is perhaps reflected in the number of survey respondents reducing staff costs during this period (41%)."

Mr Drury went on to say that many small businesses have stimulated a more "resource-conscious mindset" and consequently have moved their environmental commitments further up their agenda. He added that it was encouraging to see businesses taking a more responsible approach to consumption.

With the increasing amounts of environmental legislation coming into play as well as consumers becoming more environmentally aware it is believed that businesses who stick with this model have an important advantage over their less environmentally friendly competitors.

11/12/09