2Sustain

A new survey of 100 businesses in the UK shows that company managers are putting a high priority on sustainability initiatives.

The study, sponsored by the National Computing Centre (NCC) in Manchester found that:

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said that environmental issues are a 'very important' (34%), or 'important' (30%) concern.
73% reported that environmental requirements are being placed upon them by customers and partners.

"We see organisations adopting a range of measures,” says Steve Fox in a press release. Fox is the managing director for NCC’s Evaluation Centre, the service that conducted the survey. “Some have undertaken or are in the process of having an environmental audit; this allows them to measure their carbon footprint and then implement and manage a continuous reduction programme. Others have introduced waste management and energy consumption programmes, reduced packaging and increased recycling and optimised transportation of goods."

In addition to these environmental concerns, companies are also grappling with the increasing complexity of global supply chain operations. The survey found that businesses are continuing to invest significantly in supply chain improvements.

41% of survey participants made major improvements in supply chain operations during the last year; 31% reported major supply chain enhancements in the past one or two years.
48% said that they plan further improvements next year; 31% are planning supply chain improvements in the next one to two years.
The key drivers for these supply chain operations enhancements are to reduce cost (80%) and to improve overall service levels (70%).

More information about the Evaluation Centre and this latest survey is available at www.evaluationcentre.co.uk .