The survey reveals that only 37% of all surveyed companies in the world measure their emissions, and less than a fifth (19%) measure their carbon emissions. Out of the businesses surveyed worldwide, 46% said they will invest in environment-friendly technologies only if it means that the operating costs are maintained at the same level or decreased in comparison with if conventional technology would be used. Only 40% of the companies have invested in environment-friendly technologies and only 38% have a company policy stating this.

For Swedish conditions, the survey shows that only 13% of companies measure their carbon emissions, which is significantly lower than the global average (19%). Less than a quarter (21%) measures its energy efficiency.

Only 23% of the Swedish companies have invested in energy efficient technologies and 31% have a company policy regarding investment in green technology. The operating cost is an important factor for 40% of the companies, who say they would only invest in environmentally friendly technologies if the cost would be the same or lower compared to conventional technologies. In addition, an overwhelming majority of companies (68%) state that they would increase their investment in green technology if the state offered tax credits for energy efficient or low-carbon technologies.

Small businesses are generally below average for green investments, suggesting that they have difficulties choosing low-carbon technologies if it is marginally more expensive. This is due to the fact that they often have to prioritize short-term needs over long-term investment.

In Sweden, only 7% of the small sized companies measure their carbon emissions, while the corresponding proportion for the larger companies is 43%. Out of the small sized companies,15% have invested in low-carbon technologies, the corresponding figure for the larger companies is 57%. 40% of small sized businesses and 46% of large companies said they would only invest in low carbon technologies if it would offer lower operating costs, or unchanged costs compared to conventional technologies.

The state, with its ambitious goals regarding the environment, does not seem to take the pressure the green alternatives would bring to small businesses into account.

- The Swedish government has taken a series of measures to encourage green building, climate research, green public procurement and transition to green technology in the automotive industry. Sadly, this has not led to the changes desired, especially for smaller firms, although small and medium-sized businesses generate half of the country´s revenues. If the government is serious about its ambitious goals for carbon emissions, they must find incentives for this at all levels.

Currently, the environmentally friendly technology is limited and expensive. It is clear that this fact prohibits companies to invest in such technologies. The survey by Regus shows that tax credits would be of tremendous help. Increased demand could also lead to a mass-market, which could lower the prices, says Michael Barth, CEO at Regus Scandinavia.

-Investments in environmental protection is not just about technology, it must also cover all the measurable areas of the business, not least to reduce the proportion of unused office space.

Estimates show that at least 38% of corporate office space is empty regardless of time of measurement. There are spaces that are heated in winter, cooled down when it's hot outside and have the lights on, causing huge amounts of carbon emissions per year globally - quite unnecessarily. To minimize the proportion of unused office space should therefore be eligible for tax credits to the same extent as an energy-saving equipment, says Michael Barth.


                                                                                 Cecilia Helland