Most companies 'don't measure carbon footprint'

23/08/2010

Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of finance decision makers admit their business does not currently measure its carbon footprint, which would calculate their business energy usage.

The Carbon Trust surveyed 200 UK finance heads, finding that 48 per cent do not have a clear corporate target for carbon reduction, while a further 16 per cent are unsure whether their company even has a target.

Despite this, 72 per cent expect to have to measure their own carbon footprint soon and 76 per cent think they will be forced to pay for the carbon they emit.

Harry Morrison, general manager of the Carbon Trust, said: "The debate about whether or not carbon footprinting and payment will become mandatory for business appears to be over as far as finance heads are concerned. Yet only a minority have taken action so far and these early movers have a clear advantage."

Recently, the Federation of Small Businesses said the government needed to do more to help small and medium-sized firms in the UK become greener.

Posted by Tom Barnett