Multinational businesses plan an average 5.4% increase in their environment, health and safety (EHS) budgets next year, according to new research by technology consultants Verdantix. A survey of 382 EHS directors in 31 countries found that 35% of respondents expect to increase spending on safety measures, while only 20% plan to raise investment in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
The survey covers EHS directors in businesses with annual revenues of at least $250 million (£191 million), including ConocoPhillips, BP and Rolls-Royce.
"Our global survey finds that in 2018, 21% of EHS leaders will increase spend in double digits, 26% in single digits and 48% will spend the same budget as in 2017" commented Verdantix analyst, Isabel Velasco.
Two in five directors (42%) plan to increase spending on EHS technology, but less than a third (29%) will raise budgets for consultants.
Asked about emerging technologies, the survey respondents said they were most interested in "smart" equipment and mobile apps for audit and incident management.
Only 35% of EHS directors self-describe themselves as technology leaders.