Pro-ecology activities are becoming more and more important to all the Poles. We are entrepreneurs, employees and consumers and this attitude is being reflected in corporate priorities. The results of “Leasing Index 2019” research conducted by Santander Leasing indicate that over 50 per cent of companies are undertaking actions to reduce pollution of natural environment.
- 51 per cent of small businesses are trying to limit generation of waste.
- 53 per cent of companies are sorting their waste to care for the environment.
- 41 per cent of entrepreneurs are more and more often using electronic documents (such as e-invoices) to limit paper consumption.
- 30 per cent of small companies declare using ecological products in their business activity.
- 29 per cent of small enterprises are considering investments into environment-friendly and energy-efficient equipment.
“We must take into account that the research was conducted among companies with up to 49 employees. Small enterprises often cannot afford preparing CSR strategies or major environmental investments. However, it is optimistic that they do recognize the problem and address it as their capabilities allow them to. The simplest and cheapest pro-ecology solutions are becoming a standard.” says Agnieszka Basińska, HR Partner in Santander Leasing.
As shown in the “Leasing Index 2019”, as much as 51 per cent of surveyed companies are trying to minimise the waste they generate. Even more – 53 per cent – sort their waste.
“Though the latter activity may be justified by necessity – we are obligated by law to sort our waste, reduction of waste generation proves that the “zero waste” concept is shifting from a commitment of the few most environmentally involved individuals to more general awareness. The Poles know that if we do not take up the job, our planet will sink in waste,” says Agnieszka Basińska.
The analysis of the results of the study reveals that the more complicated it is to undertake environmental actions, the fewer companies become involved in them. Less than 1/3 of the survey participants (30 per cent) use environmental products, half-finished products, materials and raw materials in their operations. Even fewer (29 per cent) are planning to invest in ecological and energy-efficient equipment. Such results may not come as a surprise – one must remember that the sample comprised microbusinesses and companies of up to several employees. In many cases these are not manufacturers and consequently, they are not planning to pursue any activities to make their processes more modern.
“Undoubtedly, an optimistic conclusion from our research is the percentage of businesses that encourage their employees to take up more pro-ecology behaviours (40 per cent). Santander Leasing, too, is a company that not only embraces environment-friendly actions in its business strategy but makes them one of its own corporate priorities,” stresses Agnieszka Basińska. “Lower consumption of water and paper, cleaning up the surrounding of the office premises or giving up plastic are only some of the initiatives we are pursuing. Like most companies participating in the survey, we are changing for the better using our own creativity and enthusiasm of our employees. Successful pro-ecology actions are something the future of the Earth relies on. And there is no shortcut to such a success,” sums up Basińska.
Soruce: Santander Leasing
