Small companies are not investing in green practices as the difficult economic environment means that their priorities are to continue trading, according to data released by GE Capital.

Just 9% of small businesses say they are putting significant investment into environmentally-friendly practices, while 37% admit they are doing little or nothing to make their workplaces greener, up from 30% in 2007.

“There is no doubt that the recession has had a major impact on SME's attitudes and strategies towards green investments. Many firms may have chosen to defer or halt any further outlay into energy and CO2 efficient equipment, preferring to consolidate their financial positions instead,” said John Jenkins, CEO of GE Capital.

“As the economy starts to recover it is vital that this plateau in attitudes is reversed, particularly if SMEs are to make their full contribution to reducing emissions while still supporting economic growth.”