In research released today (July 15) the Carbon Trust, a non-for profit company helping businesses reduce emissions, claims just 59% of FTSE 100 companies have set clear and robust targets to cut carbon.

The work, which was taken from publicly available information on each organisation’s website and/or online CSR report, was a desk-based exercise carried out in April 2011.

It also found while many big businesses are not taking carbon reduction seriously, consumer awareness of it has greatly increased.

In its new research Raising the Bar the trust also looks at consumers buying habits finding them more likely to buy products with environmental credentials.

Research of consumer buying habits revealed the number of shoppers prepared to ‘shun’ brands failing to display carbon footprint labels on its products has doubled in the last year from 22% to 45%.

And, when asked whether they would buy low carbon labelled goods over non-labelled goods of identical quality, the survey found 47% are more likely to choose low carbon labelled goods over non-labelled and one in five (21%) would pay more for carbon labelled products.

Carbon Trust chief executive, Tom Delay, said: “The Government’s decision to set a legally binding target on greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020 makes it clear that the UK intends to be a global leader in the low carbon economy.

“Taken alongside increased consumer demand for low carbon products, 2011 is the year for businesses to develop strategies and set clear targets to help them plan and capitalise on green growth opportunities.”

Luke Walsh

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