More companies in Connecticut are embracing sustainable business practices as well as adapting to consumers”™ demands for sustainable products and services, according to a newly released survey by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.
Almost 75 percent of those surveyed have adopted sustainable practices. The proportion of businesses going green has grown steadily and consistently since CBIA said it began conducting the Sustainability and Connecticut Business Survey three years ago.
In 2007, 47 percent of companies surveyed were engaged in sustainable business practices. That grew to 59 percent in 2008 and 73 percent in 2009.
“Connecticut companies have made certain that sustainable practices are part of their business model,” said John R. Rathgeber, CBIA president and CEO. “Despite the current economic climate, our members are continuing to implement innovative strategies to improve their competitiveness while ensuring that they are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.”
The survey found:
Half of all businesses said the recession has had no effect on their green business practices; 31 percent said it has made green business practices a lower priority and 20 percent said it has made green business practices a higher priority.
The majority, 63 percent, cited their commitment to social and environmental responsibility as the primary motivator for going green.
The main barrier to going green is cost, according to 48 percent of those surveyed. Forty percent cited a lack of time or human resources.
Nearly half have adopted green business practices in the products and services they provide or produce. Fifty-seven percent have gone green in the products and services they buy or use.
Fifty-three percent have reduced their impact on the environment for the purpose of reducing operating costs, 28 percent to enhance their corporate image, 14 percent to grow their market share, and 8 percent to attract a younger work force.
The survey was conducted by e-mail in April. A total of 381 surveys were returned for a response rate of 13.6 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 5.1 percent.
