26 June 2008

Green means more green

By Jim Pinto

In the past, corporate environmental plans were mostly cost burdens relating to regulatory compliance, with perhaps a touch of the public relations image of being socially responsible. In the past few years, this has changed dramatically. “Green” is becoming a business profit opportunity.

Most plants, factories, and industrial systems were designed decades ago when the consequences of pollution and waste were not really considered. Now, companies are working to reduce their “environmental footprint,” and not just for long-term humanitarian reasons.

Irrespective of whether or not man-made pollution is a contributing factor to natural global warming, “green” is gaining more attention because of the real profit opportunities.

The increasing attention to the causes of global climate change is happening concurrently with rising energy prices. Oil at $100-$150 a barrel brings new opportunities. Products that use less fuel and decrease emissions generate growth and profits.

The idea of “green” goes beyond the good feeling that we are saving the environment; it brings enormous opportunities for savings and profits.

Take a minute to do a green review of your own office, factory, or plant. You will find savings everywhere.

Related links:

• Entering the dawn of green:
  http://r.listpilot.net/c/isa/2em1s48/1e1vt
• Going Green Makes Good Business Sense:
  http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/3015.html
• Seeing Green In Cleantech:
  http://www.forbes.com/2007/12/13/clean-tech-investments-tech-enterprise-cx_wt_1213clean.html?partner=alerts

Behind the byline

Jim Pinto is an industry analyst and founder of Action Instruments. You can e-mail him at jim@jimpinto.com or view his writings at www.JimPinto.com. Read the Table of Contents of his book, Pinto’s Points, at www.jimpinto.com/writings/points.html.