Half of Canadian small business owners have or are considering implementing a green plan or environmental policies for their business, according to an RBC small business survey conducted by Ipsos Reid.

Sixty-three per cent of small businesses that already have a plan or policies in place are more likely to concentrate on reducing energy and 31% of those who are considering a green plan are more likely to focus the plan on environmental standards and 55% on supply reduction.

“These results tell us that small business owners are making environmental sustainability a priority,” said Mike Michell, national director, Small Business, RBC.

However, the survey also reveals that spending on existing environmental initiatives is low. Fifty-nine per cent of businesses with a green plan say that they have spent less than $500 on green initiatives in the past two years. However, as a business grows its revenue, the amount spent increases.

“Going green helps companies build goodwill with customers, employees, shareholders and the general public,” said Jim Hart, national manager, Green Client Strategy, Business Financial Services, RBC.