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And it's fair to say that whether it comes from television programming, legislation, personal conscience or consumer demand, the pressure for business owners to invest in sustainability and adopt green practices is ever apparent. In their latest series on business and sustainability, 365 Business Finance [1] has identified some of the most compelling stats to shock businesses into action.

75% of businesses earn money from investing in green technology

One hurdle for business is that the upfront cost of going green. We hear of so much investment in new technologies to improve sustainability but the reality for many smaller organisations, such investment must be backed up with a strong business case. However, According to a YouGov survey of 535 senior managers in mid-sized UK businesses, three quarters claimed to have found themselves financially better off as a direct result of investing in green technology. This statistic spreads hope for those that do, and showcases a positive business case for investment.

[Source / read more] [2]

Non-domestic buildings are responsible for 18% of the UK's total carbon emissions

The UK government is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. 1.8 million non-domestic buildings exist in the UK and that includes the likes of commercial offices, hotels, shops, schools, hospitals and factories - properties where business operates, and they account for 18% of the UK's total carbon emissions. Why should be sit up and take notice of this stat? Well, according to the Carbon Trust [3], there are cost-effective, low-cost technologies and solutions which can help to reduce carbon emissions from these types of properties. This statistic can be interpreted both positively and negatively. On one hand the Carbon Trust says that the government needs to implement an improved strategy in order for these emission cuts to be made. On the other hand, there are very easy gains with a proper strategy. When businesses act collectively, change can be made effectively and quickly.

[Source / read more] [4]

The value of the low carbon economy tops £42 billion

In 2015 (which is the most current statistic) trade in low carbon goods and services contributed over £42 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy. Why is his significant? The UK's LCRE sector had a turnover of £12 billion in 2015 and is projected to almost quadruple to £44 billion by 2030. It is great news for business as it shows that there is ample scope and space for growth. Growth in these areas has knock on benefits; which include but are not limited to bringing health benefits, reducing pollution and growing further resource investment into a continuing sustainable future.

[Source / read more] [5]

200 million tonnes of waste are produced each year

The UK is an island. It has finite space, especially for such things as landfill. Sending waste to landfill as actually a last resort for the waste management industry, yet, 200 million tonnes of waste produced by the UK each year. The breakdown of this is 44% of this is recoverable and 23% of this went to landfill. It is in everyone's interest to reduce the amount of waste we produce. Business also shares its responsibility in doing what they can to reduce this statistic.

[Source / read more] [6]

Replace a CFL bulb with an LED bulb = saves £6 per year per bulb

While £6 may sound, and is, a small figure it is a significant one which businesses should take heed of.  If a business owner was to replace a traditional CFL bulb with an LED bulb of the same brightness, it would save them to £6 per year, per bulb. Now imagine you have 30 light bulbs in your office, if you were to replace them, you would make an annual saving of £180. This is such a small difference but is completely scalable and the incentives are tangible.

[Source / read more] [7]

If you would like to continue to follow 365 Business Finance's series on business and the environment you can here [8].