Businesses could save money by reducing waste, environmental analysis shows

Businesses could save themselves a lot of money by reducing the amount of energy they use and waste they produce, according to environmental analysis.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has released research that shows that British companies could save £23 billion a year if they adopt more energy-efficient methods.

These measures include those that require little or no money and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said that the savings could be even higher if long-term investment into reducing energy is taken into account.

Ms Spelman suggested being greener will help businesses to grow, stating: "Becoming more resource efficient contributes to a business's bottom line, increases profitability and their capacity to grow."

She added that this will help them improve competitiveness, as well as reduce carbon emissions by 29 million tonnes every year.

This comes after the Department of Energy & Climate Change announced details of its Renewable Heat Incentive last week, aimed at encouraging companies to limit the amount of carbon emissions they release.

Posted by Joseph Hutton