Few firms have plans for green growth

BUSINESSES believe that the green economy will be a big driver of jobs growth but few have a plan in place to take advantage of opportunities in the sector.

New research being published this week by the Carbon Trust will show that there is a generally optimistic view towards green growth.

More than three quarters (77 per cent) of Scottish business leaders expect a bigger percentage of jobs to be in the green economy in five years' time. Yet only a quarter (26 per cent) have a strategy to let them seize on the opportunities for their business.

While 75 per cent agree that new technology is going to drive green growth, only around a third (36 per cent) of businesses are investing in the research and development of green products and services.

These findings coincide with the Carbon Trust's Green Growth campaign which launches in Scotland, backed by businesses across the UK including Pelamis Wave Power, Artemis Intelligent Power and Diageo.

John Stocks, manager, Carbon Trust in Scotland, said: "It is reassuring to note that there is belief in the green economy and the future it has in Scotland, but the lack of actual strategy to take advantage of this needs to be addressed.

"Businesses need to look beyond the short-term financial reporting cycle and place some smart, early bets on the future. Otherwise the cost, both to Scotland's economy and to the environment, will be too great to ignore.

"There is huge potential for Scottish businesses to the take the lead in green growth, particularly in areas such as marine power due to the vast natural resources available."

Of those surveyed, the greatest numbers of Scottish bosses - 22 per cent - believe that Germany is best prepared to benefit from green growth, with the UK coming second with 19 per cent.