HUNTINGDON-based Anglian Water, which claims to have saved 18,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2008/09, says more than half the nation s businesses have not yet considered their contribution to climate change. A survey of British businesses found that the

HUNTINGDON-based Anglian Water, which claims to have saved 18,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2008/09, says more than half the nation's businesses have not yet considered their contribution to climate change.

A survey of British businesses found that the majority were unaware that a new law (the Carbon Reduction Commitment) would soon compel them to account for their companies' carbon emissions.

However Anglian Water says it is one of the leading voices in the climate change debate. Its chief executive, Jonson Cox, is a founder-member of the Prince of Wales' Corporate Leaders Group, a group of industry leaders that works closely with the Government on issues such as climate change.

Earlier this year, Mr Cox led discussions at Downing Street about the importance of being prepared for the reality of climate change.

He said Anglian Water was leading by example: "Across 2008/09, Anglian Water saved 18,000 tonnes of carbon, and we also insist that our contractors commit to reducing their carbon footprint.

"All this work is good news for our customers too. Over the last three years we have achieved a saving of �10 million through the energy initiative. This helps us to keep bills as low as possible and helps us deliver crucial cost savings during the recession."

The Carbon Reduction Commitment survey was carried out by Business in the Community, which recently recognised Anglian Water as one of the UK's most responsible companies, awarding it a top-tiered Platinum Award in its Corporate Responsibility Index.

The company achieved its best ever score of 97.5 per cent, having been judged on a wide range of criteria including commitment to the environment, energy conservation and waste management.