Why "Green" Makes Business Sense

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There is a lot of talk about "Green" issues. For some the theory of climate change is a myth, for others it's the central theme to their lives. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit when it comes to this debate, Going Green has some very attractive business incentives.

 

So, How Will "Going Green" Benefit My Company?

"Green" from a business sense is about being more efficient. It represents major cost savings and major PR benefits. By giving your business a focus on Sustainability and going "Green", the following benefits can be realised:

  • Investor Interest Investors and analysts recognise that carbon emissions represent a real business cost. They look upon carbon assets and liabilities as they would any other item on a company balance sheet. Businesses that have made positive action towards the environment will be reviewed positively.
  • Public Demand: Society is changing, as is the way business and consumer is being driven by environmental issues. Companies now see that the market is driving towards Corporate Social Responsibility and making purchases based upon a business’s credentials. Business growth Research has shown a positive relationship between implementing Corporate Social Responsibility and business growth. Having CSR & going carbon neutral can grow your business in many varied ways, by attracting clientele, employees and suppliers based on your credentials.
  • Image: Once your business incorporates Corporate Social Responsibility and becomes certified as carbon neutral company, your status demonstrates leadership in the way of environmental practices and a low carbon economy. You will also be part of the drive towards renewable energy and carbon dioxide reduction and will be seen to be helping South Africa move towards its clean energy and emission reduction targets.
  • Marketability: Use your Corporate Social Responsibility credentials as part of a business marketing campaign. Businesses can use their new image, helping them promote themselves and their green credentials. There are positive gains between companies that market their CSR credentials and promote their new image to customers and clients ensuring everyone know exactly what positive moves the organisation has made towards these very important issues.
  • Carbon tax: Be ahead of the pack and prepared from coming legislation around Carbon tax. It will happen and being ahead of the pack will only make your business more successful.

By Going Green, you not only get direct benefits in terms of cost savings from being more energy efficient, you make a huge impact on the future sustainability of our planet. Consider this: A single halogen down-lighter or your average light bulb of 50w used for 10 hours a day over a one year period, produces 211 kg's of Carbon Di-Oxide - to offset that CO2 you would require over 12 trees! That' just for one bulb in one office. An air conditioner, used for 10 hours a day for half of the year will produce a massive 3100 kg's of CO2, requiring 1700 trees to offset (never mind the cost of over R2000 per year on electricity) By all making small changes, we can together make a big difference. 1700 trees per air conditioner ...imagine hundred of air conditioners being used for just one hour less each day? The impact is big.

 

Besides the immediate benefits to the environment, the cost to your business from global warming over the next 10 years is expected to be massive. Insurance costs will rise due to more unpredictable natural disasters, fuel and energy costs will continue to spiral. Food production will drop and as a result force inflation up, which in turn will force salaries up.

 

Green makes business sense! Plain and Simple. For more on Greening Your Business visit www.etc-africa.com

 

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