Australian businesses not taking adequate steps on climate change: study

The Australian business sector seems to be largely unaware about the Rudd government's plans to address climate change, according to a report by the Australian Industry Group (AiGroup). The report says that the level of knowledge of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) among businesses has remained less than adequate.

The group's chief executive Heather Ridout has called on the government to educate businesses about its plans.

The survey found that about 30 per cent of businesses have no knowledge of the CPRS thanks to the lack of education efforts by the government.

The survey found more than 60 per cent of businesses have not taken any measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

However, most firms do have plans to lighten their carbon footprint within three years with big businesses taking the lead in cutting emissions.

The study found that the most preferred route to cutting emissions is greater use of information technology while buying cleaner capital equipment and use of alternative sources of energy come close behind.