WITH news of the world's first eco nightclub opening shortly in London, complete with a high-tech dance floor that generates electricity when danced on, air flush urinals, wind turbines and solar panels, I wondered how long the whole process had taken from research and planning permission to funding applications, design and installation.

As a local renewable energy provider we get regular calls from companies looking to reduce their reliance on expensive fossil fuels, improve their energy efficiency and save money in the process.

By the time most businesses reach us they are, for the most part, very well-informed about their needs having researched the market thoroughly. Many of them, however, are frustrated over the route they've had to take to get the right information.

Most complaints are about the piecemeal nature of information available while others bemoan the often circuitous route required to find adequate funding sources.

There is undoubtedly a healthy and growing commitment by businesses in Bucks to tackling climate change so why is there not more support around to nurture it?

If the government wants to avoid derailing business' environmental good intentions, it should start by making the whole process a lot simpler, perhaps with one central resource that could amalgamate the myriad of information sources into one user-friendly roadmap structured from the point of view of a business's circumstances and needs.

Of course the only way to ensure that businesses switch from carbon towards cleaner energy sources is to make carbon emission reduction mandatory with a combination of carbon taxes, regulation and government support.

While there are stiff targets to reduce carbon emissions in the UK, there are currently few initiatives to make it happen. There may be numerous drivers and best practice guides but they lack the clout of law.

Take for example the Energy Performance Certificates - by October 2008 all properties for sale or for rent, including businesses, will be examined and given an Energy Performance Certificate.

But merely having your business rated in terms of its energy efficiency doesn't mean you have to do anything about it. And with imminent signs of a recession ahead, what business is likely to invest in energy saving initiatives if they are more worried about whether their own business will even survive?

Now is the time for politicians to stop talking and start acting.

If you have a view on a topical business issue please submit up to 400 words to business editor, Adam King. Email adam.king@bucksherald.co.uk or call 01296 619764.