Envirowise is warning companies not to get swept away by ‘greenwash’, urging directors to consider the basics of reducing environmental impact, as well as building a pro-environmental image.

Envirowise says that many companies are attracted by the visible end of green business – for example switching car fleets to hybrid or low-carbon vehicles or offsetting carbon emissions – and don’t realise that simple low and no-cost measures could have an equally effective impact on environmental performance and profitability and should not be ignored.

The warning from Envirowise comes at a time when many companies will be planning for 2009 and should be considering ways of boosting their environmental performance, as well as keeping operational costs down in the face of global economic uncertainty and a weakening currency.

Envirowise has a number of free initiatives, toolkits and guides to help businesses improve environmental performance and resource efficiency.

For more information visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the Envirowise advice line: 0800 585794.