Industry displays "level of denial" over green issues

Recession fears are causing a "level of denial" about green issues in the pub industry, a new report has revealed.

The survey of around 7,000 small firms found an 85 per cent drop off in the number that have a system in place to manage environmental issues.

And 73 per cent argue that a green policy is of "no use" to their business.

The main areas of concern are storage of chemicals, producing or importing packaging and smoke or fume emissions.

The survey, which included more than 1,000 pubs, hotel and restaurants, found just four per cent believed their business was harming the environment. However the survey showed 40 per cent were emitting smoke or fumes.

But in the area of recycling pubs and other businesses in the leisure industry are performing better. Nearly nine out of 10 claim they are recycling - up from 80 per cent two years ago. More than half have also introduced some measures to tackle harm to the planet.

However, Debbie Chatting, marketing strategy manager at environmental guidance website NetRegs, which conducted the research, told The Publican "more needs to be done".

She added: "Our survey has unearthed a level of denial among some businesses who still don't acknowledge the harm that they can do to the environment nor recognise the business opportunity it presents to them."

Consumers will favour pubs with good "eco-credentials", she argued.

And she urged licensees to appoint a "green ambassador" - to promote the green agenda in the pub.

Recession-driven cuts are highlighted by NetRegs as a reason for the fall off in awareness of green issues.

Anecdotally only a minority of licensees are taking positive steps to embrace environmental issues. However, a number of pub companies - in particular Shepherd Neame and Adnams - have been recognised for taking major steps to reduce their carbon footprint and adopting a sustainable approach.