For Business

Liverpool Business - Getting the Green Edge

As Capital of Culture year has now drawn to a close, “Our city, our planet” has become the city’s mantra for Year of the Environment 2009. The question has been asked “Why should business be concerned with the environment agenda?”

Some may argue that in these tough economic conditions businesses will have more pressing concerns than reviewing their environmental credentials. However the climate change agenda is not one that is going to disappear.

The last six months have seen a seismic shift in the importance of good social and environmental performance to our public sector buyers and as the government exerts pressure to reduce carbon emissions the effects will trickle down to even the smallest of businesses.

Risk and Opportunity

Like all business decisions, getting involved in the environment agenda comes down to risk and opportunity. If your company regularly tenders for public sector work - can you afford not to look at your policies and procedures if you want to secure work in the future? Can any business in the current economic climate afford not to look at reducing waste or the amount of energy they are using?

Similarly new opportunities are opening up in what is being referred to as the “Low-Carbon Economy”. Innovation in environmental technologies, the development of energy efficient products and harnessing digital power to reduce our dependence on travel are examples of emerging opportunities in the marketplace.

In a recent Environment and Energy survey of Liverpool businesses, 75% of businesses who responded said they believe they have a responsibility to manage the impact of climate change. Becoming a Business Ambassador for Year of the Environment is the first step to making that commitment public and giving your business the green edge.

Maresa Molloy, Head of Policy and Information, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.