Is “Green” an economic opportunity or risk for high-tech companies?
This week the Wallstreet Journal had a special report on the “business of the environment”. The report summarized the messages shared by senior business leaders attending WSJ’s first annual “green” conference, “ECO:nomics: Creating Environmental Capital”. The business leaders presented both sides of the story: Green represents an opportunity for business growth as well as risk.
The “business growth” discussions were compelling. Several leaders representing multinational firms articulated the inconsistencies in regulations today and called for US government mandated caps on carbon emissions. These regulations are inevitable and immediate action and will allow business to get ahead of the curve. These regulations could be the tipping point that ignites a new market/industry that delivers clean energy technology, energy efficient devices, alternate fuels, and new services. Multinationals and SMB’s will reap the rewards from new revenue streams and increased job opportunities.
High-tech companies can capitalize on the business growth opportunities by providing energy efficient products, incentives to “upgrade to” energy efficient technology, disposal strategies and Services that reduce their clients carbon footprint. Green depends on new technology, solutions, and services. Green depends on technology companies.
The risks of inadequate energy sources, rising costs, and mounting pollution and hazardous waste were also reviewed. Action can be taken to quantify, manage, and reduce risk. High-tech companies must manage their own operations from their suppliers to the delivery to their clients.
The “company infrastructure” is really the first stop. High-tech and Telco companies are at the lead edge of sustainability initiatives and managing their own environmental footprint. They realize energy costs equate to 25% of their IT budget. Technology companies understand the quantitative impact and potential for operational cost savings. They are establishing goals and they are measuring their own progress in reducing consumption. They are continuing to look for “smarter ways to green”. It’s about finding the “easy wins” with economic payback. Here are some great sources of information for easy wins:Podcast: Sustainability Podcast White Paper:“Smarter Ways to Green: How to Make Sustainability Succeed in Business”
