In today’s economic climate, should companies see ‘green’ issues as something to put on hold? Sally Taylor, of Environmental Population, says that taking steps to be ‘green’ could actually save money and enhance a company’s reputation.

Being environmentally aware is no longer an optional extra. Companies need to realise that being green can bring positive changes and help achieve new goals.

As competition increases, how we present our business in the current environmental landscape is quite a challenge. Making use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within a business growth strategy can provide positive awareness for our business.

Companies are reacting to social, economic and environmental pressures, signalling to their stakeholders the expectation that voluntary commitment helps increase profitability.

Nearly 10 years ago, the European Council made a special appeal to companies to engage in CSR, going beyond legal and regulatory requirements, raising standards in social development, environmental protection and sustainability.

It was argued that the approach leads to new partnerships, enhanced skills, provides opportunities, eases change and supports environmental protection.

Being viewed as environmentally proactive can have far reaching benefits; get it right and your eco-credentials will generate long term market-share.

CSR strategies have the potential to offset any negative views and show businesses in a positive light. Socially responsible practices exist in all types of enterprises.

Look at the positive moves by industry giants.

ExxonMobile has more than 14,000 scientists researching alternative energy sources. Starbucks supports a number of environmental organisations focusing on issues such as health and education.

Orange Communications was able to refurbish and re-use 93% of the 586,478 mobiles received in 2006, with the remainder being recycled. And Walker’s Crisps now publish information on their packaging about the carbon footprint of the product, giving customers the moral choice whether to buy – this appears to be working well.

For many businesses, simply adopting changes in simple routines can make electric, gas and water savings part of company life.

Telling people what you’re doing can only improve your reputation and publishing your energy ratings alongside improvement programmes will help your business gain accreditation, as well as build a more positive profile in the tougher and greener economic landscape.

There is still much that can be done by companies to reduce their carbon footprint, either by looking internally at their systems and procedures or externally, through an evaluation the company’s effect on its surroundings.

The Government has set some bold targets: an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050; and recycling 40% of waste by 2010, rising to 75% by 2020.

Savings can be made through initiatives such as landfill and fuel taxes, development of carbon neutral homes and businesses, energy efficiency certificates and greater recycling.

The economic climate has taken over headlines for the time being…but very soon green issues will rise to the top of the agenda again.