Higher fuel costs are pushing energy efficiency up the agenda within British businesses in a bid both to boost CSR credentials and attract new recruits, research reveals.

According to a report from energy adviser Energyrethinking in association with the Institute of Directors (IoD), one of the strongest drivers to implement energy-efficiency measures is corporate social responsibility, with 39% of business executives indicating this is the case. With more environmentally conscious customers and job-seekers in the market, tackling energy efficiency was also seen as a key differentiator for businesses.

Two-thirds (66%) of 1,000 executives polled said the increasing cost of energy is the biggest incentive to cut their energy consumption, but 40% named 'large upfront investment' as a key deterrent to taking action.

Chris Dodson, chairman of IoD South, said: "The results show this is becoming a hot topic for businesses today. It is encouraging to see so many people willing to change their habits in order to become more energy-efficient. We need to harness this enthusiasm to help businesses commit to greener practices. However, the cost barriers at the moment deter people and this is a problem facing the future of energy use."