Survey finds businesses blase on green issues

A Continental Research product story

Edited by the Marketingweek Marketplace editorial team Jun 8, 2007

Almost one in two corporate businesses believe that global warming is not a serious issue, according to a new poll of 500 business decision makers by Continental Research.

Only half of UK businesses use recycled paper and only a fifth use green fuelled company vehicles.

However, some are making the effort - 90% turn off the lights when they're not being used, 76% recycle paper and 72% switch off computers and printers.

Three quarters of £5m+ businesses recycle old computers, more than twice the country's average.

Agnes Maisonial, research executive at Continental Research, said: "There are positive signs that business bosses are waking up to green issues.

"Some 45% of all UK businesses either have or are currently developing a formal policy towards environmental or social responsibility issues; with 63% saying that climate change is as much their company's responsibility as it is a government issue.

"Despite this, 75% of companies with £20m+ turnover believe that they would take more action to save energy if there was clearer guidance from government of how to save achieve this.

Findings are based on questions placed on Continental's Business Omnibus in April and May 2007.

500 financial decision makers were surveyed, in companies with a turnover of £50,000 - £20m+.