The Environment Agency has published the results of a survey on environmental awareness and compliance which concludes that most small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) think they do not harm the environment.
5554 businesses across the UK were surveyed in April 2005. The sample was selected to ensure that an equal number of interviews could be achieved for each business sector within each of the four UK countries. The survey follows on from a similar one conducted in 2003 in which over 8000 businesses were contacted.

Key findings from the survey are:
• Only 7% of businesses in the UK thought that they undertook activities that could cause harm to the environment. However, when prompted with a list of activities, this figure rose to 41%.
• A total of 31% of businesses stated that they had introduced practical measures to reduce environmental harm, an increase of 11% on 2003.
• 25% of all businesses surveyed stated that they had an environmental policy in place, up from 21% in 2003.
• General concern about the environment was the main driver for businesses to address the environmental impacts of their business in both 2003 and 2005.
• Over 40% of businesses in all sectors would like more information on environmental issues.

The full results of the survey can be accessed from:
http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/1169119/?referrer=/netregs/

Source: www.environment-agency.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

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