Reducing carbon emissions is 'a business priority'

Lowering CO2 emissions has risen to the top of the UK's business agenda, a new report have revealed.

A study published by the Carbon Trust has shown that UK companies are beginning to see energy efficiency as an effective way in which to cut costs and protect the planet.

Business leaders surveyed by the organisation indicate that twice as many companies are prioritising environmental policies.

Measures such as improving insulation, upgrading heating systems and ensuring that IT equipment is turned off when not in use could save businesses some £7 million a day, according to the trust.

Delvin Lane, head of client engagements for the Carbon Trust, commented: "We're surveying companies and they're actually wasting £7 million a day on poor energy efficiency. In a whole year, that's about £2.5 billion."

The Confederation of British Industry has welcomed the report and reiterates the conclusions that is draws, namely that climate change is now a priority for businesses.