Making environmental improvements and reducing resource consumption will become a top priority for more than half (54 per cent) of Newport companies during the next year, according to research from Envirowise.

With increasing environmental legislation and the rising cost of raw materials, water and energy placing growing pressure on businesses, the figure reveals that more and more firms in the city are putting green thinking at the top of their agenda.

The research also highlights that potential cost savings are the biggest incentive for making improvements, with 58 per cent of those questioned in Newport citing financial rewards as their primary motivation.

In fact, Envirowise estimates that businesses which take action to become more resource efficient could save as much as £200 per employee.

Tim Lineham, Envirowise programme area manager for Wales, said: "It's very encouraging to see that the importance of improving environmental performance is being recognised in Newport. Reducing resource consumption not only minimises waste, it also maximises profit margins, helping both the planet and the bottom line. What's more, as consumer pressure for more environmentally-friendly products and services shows no sign of waning, it can create a significant competitive advantage.

"Dealing with waste at source should take priority over recycling and there is a wealth of simple measures which companies can implement immediately. These range from quick and easy actions such as printing double-sided and replacing leaking taps through to more structured environmental management systems involving suppliers and employees."

Envirowise also recommends that businesses adopt a cleaner design' approach to product design to help reduce resource consumption. This examines the environmental impact of a product across its entire existence - from the use of raw materials through to packaging, delivery and end-of-life recycling - using a process known as Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Envirowise offers a package of free advice about resource efficiency to companies across Wales. For further information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/wales.