Ambitious ‘green’ targets set out by the UK government are giving small business owners an unwanted headache.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Chris Spies gave credit to the business owners for the “huge part” they could play in the fight against climate change.

He explained how the government could “harness this potential when it publishes its Energy Bill, expected later this Parliament.

“If the correct policies are put in place now, then small businesses will have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, while also delivering the substantial economic growth that the UK economy desperately needs.”

Mr Spies’ comments follow a report made by the FSB which advises the government to provide small businesses with extra loans and improved incentives to make their buildings more green.

The FSB’s suggestions aim to assist in the UK’s bid to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

The report, entitled “Making sense of going green – small businesses and low carbon economy,” aims to provide the government and small businesses with ideas to bring their emissions down.

It’s strongly believed by the FSB that in order to get small businesses enthused and behind the governments lower emissions targets, they need to make it economically viable and not be at the expense of their finances.

However, many small businesses are already feeling disincentivised by the proposals, with initial set up costs forcing companies to reconsider adjusting.

The government currently offers a zero per-cent loan to small businesses that are looking to purchase energy efficient equipment.

The FSB is calling for the government to change the current set up and make going green more enticing.

Currently, the government’s scheme gives businesses the chance to “pay as you save,” giving genuine long term benefits to those who take part.

The government will need to work much closer with the private sector in order to take the problem, however.

According to recent statistics, approximately 47 per cent of carbon emissions from the UK comes directly from buildings.

Further setbacks to the reduced emissions plan lies within the leasing sector for business premises .

Approximately 44 per cent of businesses rent their premises for a shorter period than 5 years, so improving the energy efficiency of the building would cease to benefit them, nor the building’s owner.

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