Small businesses cannot afford to go green

The Government need to make going green economically viable for small businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency, business group claims.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has advised the Government to look at a number of things in order to achieve the UK’s tough carbon emissions reduction targets.

The FSB explain that while small businesses might understand the benefits of green investment, the upfront cost is a huge disincentive.

Expanding the current loan scheme for small businesses and providing incentives for firms to green their buildings are claimed to be two of the significant measures the Government must look deep into.

The targets set by the Government include reducing the UK’s carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

The report, ‘Making sense of going green – small businesses and low carbon economy', looks at the many opportunities which will allow small businesses to play their part.

John Walker, National Chairman of the FSB said:

“The need to cut carbon emissions and the predicted increase in the cost of energy over the coming decade means that the move to a low carbon economy is more of an economic imperative than ever.”

" Small businesses can play a huge part in the UK's fight against climate change and we urge the Government to harness this potential when it publishes its Energy Bill, expected later this Parliament.”

“If the correct policies are put in place now, then small businesses will have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions while also delivering the substantial economic growth that the UK economy desperately needs.”