Energy saving 'a high priority for firms'

Firms have made over £1bn worth of energy savings in the past year as environmental issues have risen up the business agenda, according to a new report today.

A survey of more than 3,000 companies by the British Chambers of Commerce showed that most used energy efficient products and recycled equipment.

One in three said they trained their staff to reduce carbon emissions and a majority said climate change was now a high priority concern for their business.

Nine out of 10 of those polled said the cost of energy was likely to influence their response to climate change.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Over the last year a majority of businesses have shown a real appetite for reducing energy usage and as a result the environment has been pushed to the top of their agenda.

"If the Government is going to meet ambitious emissions targets, it needs to refocus the Carbon Trust on to the wider business community where they stand the best chance of hitting these targets.

"Businesses are clearly doing their bit, but if the Government is serious about reaching the targets they will have to step up their game."