MANDATORY standards of energy efficiency for vehicles would be supported by UK business, a new survey has revealed. A survey by consultant Moffatt Associates of 500 managers, including those in charge of fleets, revealed that industry and opinion-formers give strong backing to an energy policy designed to promote cleaner, more energy efficient use of resources.

It found 80% of companies attach more importance to environmental issues compared with 67% in 1997. Furthermore, only 4% of companies now say their activities have no impact on the environment, compared with 8% in 1997 showing a greater awareness of green issues. Businesses were split over the value of basing company car tax on private rather than business use, but favoured a road tax graded according to engine size. They did not support an inner city office parking tax.

The survey, sponsored by environment consultancy Entec and lobby group Green Alliance, together with trade associations and lobby groups, revealed that, overall, industry's main concerns are air and water pollution, waste disposal and energy conservation. A variable energy tax was one of several green measures industry as a whole would support.