A recent study released by Envirowise and business consultancy organisation EEF has shown that UK manufacturers are on board with green efforts, although rather large gaps exist between small and large organisations. The study, titled “Measuring performance - Environment Survey 2008″, shows the results of a survey in which 562 manufacturing companies participated. The companies collectively represent over 122, 000 workers.
Overall, the entire manufacturing industry has engaged environmental programmes and is committed to taking action on such issues as end of life cycles and energy efficiency. Over 90% of the companies interviewed say they have taken measures to address some or all of the environmental problems, while only 2% claim to have taken no action whatsoever. Larger companies seem to have more policies in effect at 92%, Only 58% of smaller companies have a similar process or policies in place.
Most respondents say that energy efficiency and waste are key issues for them, due in part to legislation.
Part of the problem with smaller businesses is that they are faced with difficulties in defining and dealing with environmental issues. Even after the issues are identified, smaller companies often do not have a specific department or personnel assigned to environmental tasks. In other words, there are people who have to fit in the environmental work along with their regular duties. When there is much work to be done, many of the environmental issues are bound to fall to the wayside.
In response to the smaller companies’ struggles, the EEF says that the government should step up and take an active role in assisting companies with environmental issues.
To read the report, go to: envirowise.gov.uk/eef-environmental-report
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