What is your business doing about climate change?

A survey released by the Carbon Trust today suggests that most UK consumers want to know the carbon footprint of the products they buy, and are more likely to buy a product if they know it has a low ecological impact.

In the survey, 74% of UK consumers agreed that climate change was a serious issue but the same number thought businesses were not doing enough to tackle their carbon emissions; 66% wanted to know the footprint of the goods they bought with 67% preferring low-carbon products.

Euan Murray of the Carbon Trust said that a new type of low-carbon consumer was emerging on the back of rising concern over climate change. "These are people that want to use their spending power to make a difference and feel like they are making their contribution also," he said.

The consumers surveyed by the Carbon Trust said that environmental concerns came into more than half of their of decisions when buying cars, electronic goods, and food and drink.

"As people learn more about the issues, more consumers understand that this is something they can do that helps them play their part, then more consumers will differentiate based on carbon footprint and environmental performance of businesses."

The survey also showed that 64% of consumers would prefer to buy from companies with a low carbon footprint.

Last week, Sir Nicholas Stern published an analysis of the potential economic impacts of climate change. He forecast that, if left unchecked, the costs could cost the world up to 20% of its GDP.

Mr Murray said the report presented good opportunities for businesses financially and in terms of reputation. "By reducing your carbon footprint as a business, you're typically reducing your energy consumption and that means you save," he said. "Then, by working with other companies in your supply chain, that means you can work to reduce the carbon footprint of the products that ends up in the consumer's hands. We believe companies will be able to grow market share on that basis."

Michael Rea, strategy director at the Carbon Trust, said: "Now is the time to take action and Governments, businesses and consumers all need to work together to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change. We believe that the businesses that embrace the challenge will succeed. Inaction is no longer an option."