Public distrust manufacturers’ green credentials, CBI finds

Over 80% felt businesses have a responsibility to tell their customers about energy efficiency, CBI research found. But almost nine in 10 respondents were distrustful over manufacturers' and retailers' claims. The study showed businesses must provide more information to the public to help them make informed choices about buying low-carbon products, the CBI said. CBI director-general John Cridland (pictured) said that creating a mass market for low-carbon goods is crucial to meeting UK climate change targets. He said: "Consumers are often baffled when faced with a variety of low-carbon products on sale, each making different green claims." Cridland added: "All too often we find that consumers are something of a Cinderella of the low-carbon economy. Unless we can get the public truly on board, then all the investment in new technology and all our low-carbon innovation will be for nothing." The comments came at the launch of a new report on getting public buy-in to low carbon products. The CBI is calling on the government to join forces with businesses to find new ways of inspiring consumers to go green, including developing clear and standardised labelling for low-carbon products. The report found three-quarters of the public do not think about energy efficiency when buying property. But more than half (53%) do think about energy efficiency when buying a fridge. This reflects the success of the A-G white goods labelling system, the CBI claimed.