Going green 'is good for business'

Going green is good for a company's balance sheet. According to a new survey, more than a third of small Scottish businesses have grown as a result of becoming more environmentally friendly.

Research from Bank of Scotland found more than 90 per cent of those surveyed have taken steps to become more environmentally sustainable, with the most popular measure being a review of energy usage.

Most spent less than 5,000 in total on their measures, but the survey of 252 Scottish businesses with a turnover of less than 15 million found that 35 per cent reported growing turnover as a direct result of their action.

Bank of Scotland estimates that measures to improve sustainability will create 5.7 billion of economic growth across the UK in the next three years,

Donald Kerr, head of Bank of Scotland Commercial, said it was "fantastic" that most firms had already taken action, but he was concerned that a minority had shunned the idea.

He said: "It's no secret that smaller private-sector firms will be one of the main drivers of the economic recovery. However, many Scottish businesses may not realise the wealth of opportunities open to them by becoming a more sustainable business.

"As well as reducing overheads and operating costs, becoming more sustainable will give many firms in Scotland a competitive edge, enable them to pitch for contracts with strict environmental criteria and enhance their reputation."