RESEARCH has revealed that many North-East businesses are not doing enough to reduce their environmental impact.

The study for Envirowise, a Government-funded programme that offers free advice to companies, shows that three out of five businesses could tackle environmental issues better.

The survey highlights how many businesses are struggling to introduce sustainable practices, despite legislation in areas as varied as noise and climate change.

Envirowise says that the key to good environmental behaviour is that the idea is owned by all employees.

Envirowise has launched a online resource, Words to the Wise, designed to provide companies with advice.

Guy Bashford, Envirowise regional manager for the North-East, said: "The best way to encourage behaviour change is to make environmental measures part of standard business practice. In time, this will become woven into the fabric of a business, and not need conscious additional effort.

"The rewards, both financial and environmental, will be soon be realised."

John Philpot, chief economist with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and an expert in business efficiency and productivity, said: "There is a compelling case for businesses to embed sustainability into the very bones of their organisation.

"There needs to be a paradigm shift from a culture of feel-good tactics on the environment to an endemic endorsement of change, where every company can be sure that they are not just ticking the box but meaning it."

For more information on Words to the Wise, visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/ change.