UK strengthens green credentials

The

has welcomed evidence of further significant environmental progress by

companies, contained in the

annual 'Spotlight on Business' report.

The report, published today, identifies the lowest ever level of hazardous waste production by business, as well as a reduction in non-hazardous waste. Waste recovery rates were at record levels in 2004, with 53% of all business waste recycled or re-used.

Serious pollution incidents reached their lowest level on record, although they declined only slightly on the previous year. Greenhouse gas emissions by industry also fell. Businesses spent £3.4 billion on meeting their environmental obligations during 2004, according to the report.

Michael Roberts, CBI Director for Business Environment, commented: "Fairly enforced and proportionate environmental rules are seen by responsible companies as important in creating a level playing field. Business wants to see the Environment Agency tackle the small minority of rogue companies and individuals who deliberately avoid environmental regulation, and sanctions such as ASBOs and jail sentences may help provide a real deterrent.

"But with environmental regulation becoming ever more demanding, a distinction must be made between these deliberate offenders, and businesses with good environmental records which make a genuine mistake.”