A STARK warning in the Stern report has been applauded by a Basingstoke-based company that aims to raise awareness of climate change.

Economist Sir Nicholas Stern, who compiled the report for the Government, said global warming could shrink the economy by 20 per cent, although tackling the problem now would only require one per cent of global gross domestic product.

Following last week's publication of the report, Dr Wendy Buckley, from Basingstoke's Carbon Footprint, said: "I think the Stern Report is a landmark in so much as it is the first time that the economic impact of climate change has been evaluated.

"It tells us that if we do nothing, we are basically going to damage our economy, so really there is no option to do nothing.

"It is Carbon Footprint's opinion that to be able to realise some of the reductions in CO2 actually doesn't cost anything.

"Our belief is that by implementing various energy-saving strategies by getting the right kind of technologies in place in the workplace, you'll be able to save money with all your utility bills - so, if you like, save money and save the planet at the same time."

The company's newly-launched Business Solutions enables companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations, to reduce their environmental impact while saving money on their utility bills.

It conducts obligation-free site surveys and can install energy and water-management products.

Dr Buckley said companies that retrofit Carbon Footprint's products to their existing systems can benefit by reducing energy bills by more than 20 per cent and as much as 50 per cent on water bills.

"It's our view that climate change must be addressed pragmatically, without damaging business growth," she added.

"Our new programme helps businesses to become much more aware of how they use energy and water and puts them in the driving seat to save considerably on the costs."

Dr Buckley's husband and fellow Carbon Footprint director John Buckley said companies can take simple steps to help the environment and save money such as replacing traditional lightbulbs with energy-saving ones.

"They can easily pay for themselves within a year," said Mr Buckley.

"Heating, air conditioning, lighting and things like fridges and hot water are other things that companies can focus on. For example, vending machines that have cold drinks don't need to be kept on overnight or at weekends when no one is around.

"Things like that can be quickly implemented to save electricity and money."

Mr Buckley said visitors to the company's website at www.carbonfootprint.com can find out how much impact they have on the environment and how much they can offset, by using the Carbon Footprint calculator.