IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO BE THINKING ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – OR SHOULD BUSINESSES BE THINKING ABOUT THE FINANCIAL CRISIS?
This is definitely not an ‘either/or’ situation. Of course businesses need to think carefully about their exposure to the financial situation – their indebtedness, their liquidity and their longer term investments. But they should also be thinking about saving money, being seen to be behaving responsibly and maintaining the trust of their clients and staff.
Targets for carbon reduction and incentives to switch to greener electricity are still there. Business still has a responsibility to clean up its act. Which means that being in a recession due to a crisis of confidence in the banking sector (as we are now) will put even greater pressure on businesses that are already starting to stress due to rising energy shortages and increasing pressure from clients and customers to be more environmentally responsible.
As reported in the Financial Times on 9 October 2008, ‘the next decades will see a new industrial revolution that will be Clean, Lean and Mean’ ‘Clean, because of climate consequences, water stress and economic impacts. Lean, characterised by a low carbon economy and eco-efficiency, uncertainty around access to energy and resources, high resource prices and government regulations on resource efficiency. Mean, because we will experience transformational change and destructive innovations that will create winners and losers.’
Global corporations that were concerned and active about sustainability (economic, social and environmental) are still concerned. We should all keep that concern. Those large companies are putting pressure on their supply chain to behave in greener and more sustainable ways – reducing their environmental impact. The general public is still (according to a recent Ipsos Mori poll) still very concerned about the environment – even in the current financial crises that hasn’t gone away. In the US,
‘7 out of 10 people think that in tough economic times it is more important for a company to behave responsibly.’ Environmental sustainability is all about using fewer resources and saving money.
Climate change also presents opportunities – green technology businesses are growing at far faster rates than other sectors. Whether this is transport, metering (in all its forms), local production, training ‘green’ skilled workers, different construction methods, or development of new (or old) forms of renewable energy there are many opportunities in new market sectors and in new geographical markets.
Companies with long-term vision (and those who need to save money today) can, should, must think green – and build their reputation as responsible and trustworthy companies to deal with.
Helping you to find the right solutions
Where ever you are, businesses respond to change all the time – in a time of environmental change they have to adapt in ways that may be new and different. Clients and customers ask questions about where raw materials come from, where waste materials go, and what to do with your goods when they no longer need them. Do you have the answers?
Costs of electricity, water and other vital materials go up and down but the long term trend is ever upwards. How can you reduce the amount of electricity you use? How can you cut down on heating bills? Can you generate your own electricity or heat? Or can you work with your neighbours to make savings and improve your energy security? Can you reduce the cost of waste disposal, including any hazardous waste?
If children ask about your company’s carbon footprint – can you respond in a way that makes you proud?
Delia Quigley Business Consultancy Services provides a range of environmental and other business support services to organisations – to help them plan ahead and meet:
their legal obligations
the requirements of their customers
the interests of their customers, neighbours and the general public
cost reduction targets
energy efficiency targets
waste reduction targets
environmental management targets
Organisations can also be assisted to achieve competitive advantage through:
improved environmental performance
demonstrating their commitment to working and acting in ways that minimise damage to the environment
demonstrating their commitment to working in ways that show care and consideration for future generations
As well as helping individuals and/or groups start-up new businesses which:
have the maximum chance of succeeding
have improved chances of accessing finance
Supporting Business