From January 1998

Protecting the Environment

Over the last 20 years the environment has become one of the most important areas of political activity and the impetus looks set to increase under the Labour government. A recent survey by the Institute of Directors has also shown that over 60% of companies are taking measures to protect the environment and over half have a formal environmental policy with a mere 12% establishing it because they thought that it would make them more competitive. Some wish to enhance their company’s image but most acted out a sense of moral obligation - which is highly commendable but not necessarily economically sustainable. With the right kind of regulations and incentives businesses could become more competitive by making a commitment to environmental responsibility.

More than not businesses acted out of a sense of moral obligation and environmental responsibility or to enhance the company image - all highly commendable but not necessarily economically sustainable.