Seventy Percent of SME Sector Moving on Sustainability

The survey represents a sample of 800 business sector decision makers across 14 industries.

When asked what challenges were the major concerns for their business, three core sustainability issues made the list: energy efficiency (40%), managing waste (33%) and reducing emissions (25%). Interestingly, the ability to access credit (27%) was less of a concern that waste and energy.

The survey also found that a ‘sustainable’ company image helps to recruit the best talent. One in four organisations nationally (26%) found that a sustainable image helps to recruit the best employee talent. Finding talent ranks as one of the top priorities for SMEs.

The survey says that this corresponds with international experience of organisations that develop a reputation for sustainability can attract the best recruits.

The survey found that there was some confusion around the term ‘environmentally friendly’ and its association with sustainability.

When asked if they believe their business is environmentally friendly, some 72% indicated that they are – but asked about the sustainability activities they are undertaking, less than 15% were undertaking a threshold level of the relevant activities that are of a sustainable nature to be considered environmentally friendly.

For more information go to: www.afs-smart.com.au/afss.htm