Dungeoness B. power station is one of British Energy’s electricity stations. The company has recently sponsored a survey about carbon reduction (credit British Energy Group plc).

British Energy – the UK’s lowest carbon emitter of the major UK electricity generators – has sponsored a recent survey, which has revealed that 94% of the UK’s top FTSE500 companies are actively reducing their carbon footprints.

The survey has also highlighted that while the majority of companies recognised the need to reduce carbon in their work and did so mainly for ethical and social responsibility reasons, 40% did not recognise biofuels, nuclear and carbon capture as low carbon energy options.

Bill Coley, British Energy’s CEO, said: “Whilst it is very encouraging that carbon is being taken seriously amongst the UK’s biggest companies the confusion around low carbon energy sources indicates that we all still have a lot of work to do. Nuclear energy produces carbon emissions similar to wind and around six times less than coal.

“We believe on this basis it has a critical role, along with other low carbon sources such as renewables, to play a part in a balanced fuel mix for the UK. The challenge for the Government and the energy sector is going to be making enough low carbon energy available to meet the increasing demand this survey indicates.”

The survey was carried out in October and November 2007 and consisted of interviews with a number of senior managers.