Home > News > General News

Young managers lead the way for the green agenda

According to research by the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI’s) of manager attitudes towards green issues, more than two thirds of managers (69 per cent) agreed that the low carbon agenda is a key business issue, however, only 26 per cent of them were taking any action as a result of this.

This research which was conducted in conjunction with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and published in July concluded that the enthusiasm for the green agenda comes from junior and young managers.   Yet, those at senior manager and director level are lacking the same level of enthusiasm. 

CMI’s end of year survey found that only 16 per cent of UK organisations and their managers intend to make addressing the environmental impact of their organisation a priority for next year.

The CMI is now calling for all UK organisations to have a green team in place and active, by June 5 2010, World Environment Day.  

Its vision is that these teams will be fuelled by the enthusiasm of younger staff, but led from the top – so everyone plays a part in creating a “carbon-conscious culture” across their organisation.

“With the Copenhagen summit imminent, we are determined, as the voice of the UK’s managers and leaders, to encourage and support them [managers] in ensuring their businesses are doing all they can to minimise the environmental impact of their operations, said CMI chief executive Ruth Spellman.

“What some organisations fail to realise is that the cost savings associated with going green can be immense. The clock is ticking and there are now only six months left before World Environment Day. I urge all UK businesses to get involved and ensure your green team is in place before then.”

Nigel Fine, chief executive of the IET added: “It is disappointing that so few companies and managers have climate change on their agenda. The agreements made in Copenhagen must translate into actions and this is where we all have a responsibility in reducing our carbon footprint and realising the benefits of good carbon management.

Source: Green Business News

Related content