According to a survey by fleet management company Lex Autolease, which polled nearly 500 financial directors, 63% of financial stakeholders believe that MCR would make no difference to their organisation, while 25% warned it will inhibit business growth.

The survey also revealed that a further 63% of respondents were not even aware of the Climate Change Act 2008.

The findings follow government lobbying by many leading business groups, including the CBI and Aldersgate Group for MCR to be implemented after a decision to introduce reporting was delayed earlier this year.

In addition, an edie poll of nearly 300 businesses revealed that 38% believe that the MCR is “costly and bureaucratic” and as a result called for the Government to provide clarity.

Lex Autolease commercial director Mark Chessman, said: “It’s clear that the business community is, at best, undecided on the benefits of mandatory reporting.

“At worst, there is likely to be significant opposition from financial directors to any future legislation as they remain unconvinced of the benefits of carbon reporting with, at present, many believing it may even make organisations less competitive.”

DECC is currently consulting on its existing carbon energy reporting scheme, the Carbon Reduction Commitment.

Carys Matthews

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