Many UK businesses think sustainable activities could help them deal with the economic recession.

In all, 85% of firms surveyed by Envirowise, the government-supported sustainable business agency, said energy efficiency, waste prevention and using less raw materials were being targeted to make their businesses more profitable.

Envirowise said its findings prove that businesses are waking up to the economic benefits of going green.

“The change in management thinking away from the early 1990s focus on sales and labour has obviously had an impact,” said programme manager Elaine Sharp.

Companies are also responding to the increasing pressure of legislation.