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FTSE 100 green resolutions for 2008

[03.01.2007] Creating greener, sustainable offices is the top green New Year's resolution for 2008, while more government support is critical to success, according to a poll of the FTSE 100 companies.

The survey polled the UK's 100 leading businesses on their priorities in tackling climate change in the coming year and the challenges they face in implementing them. The survey revealed increasing importance placed on managing environmental impact from core operations and genuine concern from senior management, but a lack of action in the wider arena including employee involvement.

· The main resolutions to combat climate change in 2008 were making office buildings more energy efficient (25%), followed by reducing carbon emissions from operations (23%), and incorporating renewable energy sources (13%)
· Lack of government support was cited as hindering progress, especially in areas such as incorporating renewable energy sources· The majority of respondents identified 2007 as the year they had put the wheels in motion for tackling climate change, with steps such as appointing an environmental manager, beginning to accurately measure carbon emissions and setting targets
· Schemes such as encouraging staff to use greener methods of transport and allowing employees to work from home occasionally were less popular, as was reducing business travel through use of video conferencing (5%)

Companies have spent 2007 setting the scene for action against climate change, but feel they need better leadership from the government and buy-in from employees and supply chains if they are to make real progress in 2008.

Chatsworth Communications carried out the survey to discover where the priorities lie for the FTSE 100 in the year ahead and what business views as the main obstacles to success.Several survey respondents registered that one of the biggest challenges for 2008 would be to switch to renewable energy sources - with many willing to pay but citing lack of availability of green energy as the main obstacle rather than cost.
This was reflected in reports that greener fuel options for delivery vehicles were limited by the sheer lack of petrol stations providing options such as bio fuels. Others commented that the biggest challenge was a perceived or real lack of meaningful leadership by the government on climate change, and cited difficulties in obtaining government support for carbon capture and storage work.

Nick Warren, Chatsworth Communications comments: “Climate change has swept the social, political and media agenda in 2007 and there has been a corresponding sea change in UK business's stance on sustainability.“ As consumers and investors wise-up to greener ways of doing business, the boards of the FTSE 100 have realised the importance of a comprehensive CSR strategy which cuts right across their operations and is sustainable for the long term.

“We have seen peaks in interest in environmental issues many times before over the last twenty years, notably in the early '90s. This time it feels very different because it appears to many like the last chance saloon to tackle climate change.” “Although businesses are taking genuine, positive steps, there are some areas in which they cannot make progress - such as switching to renewable energy sources - without leadership at the highest political level. It's the green resolutions of our government that will make the greatest impact in 2008. Sustainability must surely be on the main agenda from the boardroom to the stockroom for both ethical and economic well-being in 2008.”

Source: The Retail bulletin

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