Government must do more on sustainability

Half of small businesses believe the government needs to do more to deliver ideas on how companies can become more sustainable and reduce emissions, according to a survey by CitySprint.

It found that 90 per cent of SMEs think sustainability is important, but 53 per cent have invested in it at all. And 52 per cent don’t feel enough is being done to link national government support with local government implementation of green initiatives across the UK.

Reducing and recycling waste was the top priority for 57 per cent of UK businesses, followed by using sustainable/ eco-friendly office supplies (46 per cent), using sustainable materials for products (39 per cent) and using renewable energy resources (30 per cent) and low-emission vehicles (30 per cent).

CitySprint CEO Patrick Gallagher said: “One of the biggest barriers preventing the adoption of more sustainable processes is the lack of funding and government-led infrastructure to support them – something that we have also experienced as a business. We have learned that there’s strength in numbers, and SMEs should look to form partnerships with other businesses with areas of common interest who are committed to making a difference. This could be as straightforward as making greener choices in your supply chain, choosing partners and suppliers whose sustainability goals support your own.”