DETR asks companies how much they spend on environment

As part of a new series of surveys designed to collect regular information on environmental spending, over 7000 companies have been selected to take part, and have been sent questionnaires to complete. Examples of environmental investment of interest in the programme include purchase of equipment to reduce air emissions or water discharges, or disposal of waste materials.

“This survey provides an excellent opportunity for companies to systematically review and benchmark their environmental expenditure programmes,” said John Alexander, UK Director of Operations at Dames and Moore, the co-launchers of the survey. “We see this as an exciting opportunity for industry and for our team who will be closely involved in analysing trends and priorities.”

The programme is designed to identify how the UK’s spending on environmental protection compares with that of other countries, whether it affects competitiveness, and to estimate any associated benefits from cost savings and sale of by-products. Businesses will also be able to compare their spending to the average environmental investment for their sector.

“The DETR is very pleased to have launched this survey which will show just what contribution businesses are making to protect the environment in the UK – businesses have a very important part to play in making our environment a cleaner, better place in which to live,” said a spokesman for the DETR.

Companies which have been sent the questionnaires are being urged to participate in the survey, and can contact the DETR’s help desk by telephoning 020 8944 3333, faxing 020 8944 3342, or by emailing detr_ukenvsurvey@urscorp.com.