Going green to beat the blues

Environmental measures could be the answer to combating the economic downturn, according to new research from Envirowise, a UK Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.

More than 85% of companies questioned by Envirowise chose waste prevention, using less raw material and energy recovery as a way to make their businesses more profitable in the face of economic recession.

The research, says Envirowise, shows growing recognition that waste minimisation and resource efficiency have become business imperatives in the current economic climate if companies are going to reduce costs and keep up their green credentials.

"With fuel, energy and raw material costs continuing to rise and changes in the economy persisting in creating challenging marketplaces, there has never been a better time to lead the way in using resources wisely, eliminating waste and ultimately raising environmental standards," said Elaine Sharp, a programme manager for Envirowise.

Research by various bodies over the past three years has seen a changing attitude towards environmental practices. MORI research in 2005 saw 60% of businesses with an environmental policy compared with just 11% in 2003.