Workers want bosses to be green

A large majority of workers want their employers to take steps to reduce their workplace's environmental impact, according to a survey.

Over 1,500 people replied to a survey on MSN Environment, with eight out of ten of them saying they would like their boss to make their business improve its energy efficiency and waste management.

The most common suggestions were making paper recycling bins available, having computers which automatically shut down and installing smart lights which turned off when there is nobody in a room.

As well as making suggestions for their bosses, a third of the respondents complained that their workplace did not do enough to mitigate its effect on the environment.

But despite pushing their employers to improve energy efficiency, many employees were lax about their own emissions, with many unwilling to give up perks such as taxi rides.

MSN Environment's Nicole Thomas said: "Our study clearly shows that many British workers are thinking green and want their employers to go the extra mile as far as environmental policies are concerned.

"However, we all need to realise that it's our own efforts that count as well - if everyone makes a few small changes, it can make a big difference in the long run."

The Energy Saving Trust said that it had seen that in many cases it was giving businesses advice, which then "cascaded" down to individual employees.