In: Economics
There has been a major
growth in businesses using sustainable strategies. This has
resulted in more and more companies becoming “green” as time moves
forward, and is setting the pace
for other companies to follow. Historically, corporate interest in the environmental arena tends to rise and then fall, but this time seems different. Instead of focusing
mainly on environmental costs and risks, or corporate responsibility, more and more companies have come to see opportunities for growth and profit through a
focus on environmental sustainability. Businesses are
realizing the potential benefits from implementing sustainable practices and the advantages it gives them over their competitors. Media is playing a vital role in the
growth of companies becoming green, by increasing employees and customers concern. Stakeholders around the world are hearing the green message and are
becoming confident that the green economy will have a lasting effect. Over the last three decades there has been a growing concern amongst consumers about whether
the earth’s resources will continue to sustain the standard of living that is enjoyed by most Americans. Energy consumption is continuing to rise,
and worldwide power generation is responsible for more pollution than any other single activity. Americans are beginning to recognize the link between energy use
and environmental degradation. This has lead to a growing segment of consumers either rewarding or intending to reward organizations that address environmental concerns in their business and marketing practices, and punishing firms that ignore environmental imperatives. Corporate strategies are increasingly becoming influenced by consumer concerns for the environment, and businesses are now trying to become more environmentally aware, while remaining
profitable. Renewable energy appears to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions. Corporations using renewable energy have realized that they get “the best of both worlds,” because they see an economic benefit of
implementing these projects by lowering their energy costs, and the benefits of “green” marketing. The environmental impacts are also a bonus for everyone. Solar energy emits roughly 98 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, while coal, the most widely used energy generation practice, emits 955 grams, or about ten times than that of solar. Geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, and energy crops generate even less than solar. Renewable energies are seen as the most important
instrument to mitigate climate change and reduce negative effects of energy production. The business world and the natural world are inevitably linked, and smart businesses are beginning to realize this. Companies that
bring an environmental lens to their business strategy are generally more innovative and profitable than their competitors.
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