Environmental analysis news: Recession offers opportunity for CO2 cuts

The recession has provided businesses with a golden opportunity to reduce carbon emissions as part of cost-cutting measures, according to one expert.

Andrew Raingold, deputy director of the Aldersgate Group, argues that UK businesses can become more competitive on a global scale by embracing climate-change targets and taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Research released by Defra found that companies could collectively save over £6.4 billion every year through simple actions.

Recommendations included turning off lights and lowering thermostats, which not only save money but could also contribute up to ten per cent towards the government's 2020 targets on emissions reduction.

Mr Raingold commented: "In skills in particular it's to do with resource efficiency so there's a real competitive advantage for all businesses to be efficient in the resources they use. Training the workforce to be resource efficient can be a very quick win-win."

He stressed that much of the training required is both quick and inexpensive, meaning that companies should not use the current economic downturn as an excuse to put off acting on emissions.

Mr Raingold added that businesses should be prepared to reduce their carbon footprint as the government's climate change act sets out ambitious targets which will have to be met.

Posted by Joseph Hutton