Environmental analysis news: SMEs 'need to be made aware' of green incentives

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are unaware of the incentives on offer for implementing energy efficiency measures, an industry expert has stated.

John Treble, managing director of the Green Consultancy, commented that SMEs do not always know about the funding available to those aiming to become more energy efficient.

He added that this is holding back the uptake of carbon-reducing measures.

Mr Treble cited schemes such as the Carbon Trust's interest-free loans for organisations spending less than £500,000 per year on energy, in addition to free or part-funded consultancy.

Tax breaks and other technology-specific incentives are also required to help businesses meet their environmental obligations, he asserted.

"The place to start in reducing environmental impact is reducing waste of all types - in particular energy to reduce carbon emissions," Mr Treble said.

Research published by the Waste and Resources Action Programme last month revealed that if businesses become resource efficient, they could contribute as much as ten per cent towards the 2020 CO2 reduction target.

Posted by Claire Manning