In uncertain times when it seems that cash is king, businesses are considering resource efficiency as a way to reduce costs and save money rather than simply a means to improve environmental credentials, according to a new survey from Envirowise.1
The sustainable business experts explored the primary reason for businesses adopting resource efficiency initiatives via a survey on their website and found that nearly two thirds (64%) of respondents to the survey confirmed that reducing costs and saving money was top of their list.
A recent survey conducted by Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank2 echoes the findings, with 29 per cent of those surveyed expecting that 'greening' their business will lower operating costs.
The Envirowise research also saw only nine per cent of those questioned stating that improving competitive advantage or responding to customer demand was a key factor for investigating greener business methods.
Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, says: "Before the current economic downturn, many businesses were attempting to attract customers by demonstrating their environmental responsibility through resource efficiency. Now, whilst this remains important, more business leaders are recognising the importance of resource efficiency in improving a business' bottom line. In short, resource efficiency and profitability do go hand in hand."
To find out how to make cost savings by improving your company's resource efficiency, visit the Envirowise website and click on the Getting Started banner.
Envirowise offers free support and guidance to help businesses realise cost savings through improved resource efficiency. Advice is available online at www.envirowise.gov.uk
or by calling the Advice Line on 0800 585794. A wide range of subjects are covered including waste minimisation, water efficiency and eco design.
ENDS
Sources
1. Envirowise online poll of 188 businesses – December 2008
2. Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank survey – December 2008