Eco-measures on back burner for bosses

Nearly half of company bosses believe their company is NOT eco-friendly, a study revealed yesterday.

Researchers found that despite the majority of business owners trying to take steps to reduce their carbon output, millions still reckon it’s too costly, time consuming and impractical.

A ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude, lack of knowledge and ‘other priorities’ were also cited as stumbling blocks to putting in place energy saving measures.

But encouragingly, two thirds use power saving light bulbs and the same number try and reduce paper use.

Yesterday Ian Cowley, MD of cartridgesave.co.uk which commissioned the research of 500 decision makers in SMEs, said: “It's clear from this research that companies need to do more. This study shows that unless it requires little effort and saves money many businesses have higher priorities than becoming eco-friendly.

“Making your office more environmentally friendly does not need to be difficult or expensive. Simple measures such as making sure computers and printers are turned off at night can reduce power bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

“When buying new computers or printers for your office always look for ones which use less power. Over a year the savings can really add up.

“Recycled printer cartridges are a great example of a product that is both green and can save businesses money. It is clear that more needs to be done to educate bosses that there are easy ways to make businesses more environmentally friendly without it costing a fortune.”

The study quizzed bosses on their attitudes and behaviours towards ensuring their company was environmentally friendly.

It found four in ten believe it is ‘too costly’ trying to switch to energy saving equipment, while one in five said they lacked the inclination, time or was impractical for the type of business they had.

However, six in ten do switch off their computers at night and the same numbers re-use and recycle.

The survey also highlighted employers’ priorities – and meeting targets, deadline and paying the bills emerged top.

Efficiency saving came fifth, while adding eco-friendly measures was in tenth spot.

More than a third are directing budgets to customer service and investment. Just eight per cent are focused on eco-friendly office updates.

The report also found 63 per cent perceive eco-friendly products as more expensive than standard ones and a quarter has spent less on these since the recession hit.

And the computer, photocopier and lights emerged as the worst culprits for wasting energy.