British businesses can save around £23 billion a year by improving the way they use energy and water, and by reducing waste, according to research published by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. The research identifies these huge potential savings to UK businesses from what is known as resource efficiency, using materials, energy and water more efficiently in ways that need very little or no investment. Improving resource efficiency is a key part of the transition to a green economy, providing benefits for businesses and the environment while boosting the UK economy. It also shows that the savings could be even greater when the potential from longer term investment is included. These savings could improve competitiveness and employment opportunities for British business.
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=EV0441_10072_FRP.pdf