Small firms embracing sustainability

Thousands of small businesses across the UK are going on a green offensive, it has been claimed, by either generating their own heat and power or planning to do so.

A report, published today by investment service Cornwall Pure Business, calculated that if these businesses put their plans into action they could save up to half a million tonnes of carbon a year.

The research found that 16% of small to medium-sized businesses have already adopted or intend to adopt solar heating, and 11% said the same for wind turbines.

Perhaps surprisingly, however, the survey also suggested that far lesser known technologies, such as photo voltaic (solar) cells and ground source heat pumps that heat water, are actively being investigated by thousands of small firms.

According to Lucy Thom, inward investment manager for Cornwall Pure Business, small businesses are not just becoming more environmentally friendly, they are realising that environmental technologies can open up new markets and business opportunities.

She said: “It seems Britain’s SMEs are beginning to take their green consciences to work with them.

“In Cornwall, we are not only seeing a growing number of companies that are taking steps to be greener, but also an increase in businesses based here that offer products and services for this fast-growing market.

“In fact, the renewable energy sector is already worth approximately £34m to the regional economy. In the South West, it is estimated the sector will support between 14,000 and 17,000 full time employees by 2020.”

However, the research also found that while 73% of managers agree that it’s important for businesses to be more environmentally sustainable, 72% perceive the cost as a barrier to adopting green technologies.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007