Government Action Creating Opportunity for Businesses

The new administration appears to be poised to make significant change in business. President Obama’s selection of, Steven Chu, and a host of environmental advisers to his team is paving the way for sustainable action. Now the Federal government is taking measures to address its own operations and lead by example.

In an Executive Order released last week, the US government plans to establish an integrated strategy towards sustainability in the Federal government and to make reduction of greenhouse gas emissions a priority for Federal agencies. The plan sets targets to reduce the environmental impacts of its 500,000 federal buildings and 600,000 vehicles. It is therefore the policy of the United States that Federal agencies shall:

•    Increase energy efficiency
•    Measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
•    Conserve and protect water resources through efficiency, reuse, and storm water management
•    Eliminate waste, recycle, and prevent pollution
•    Leverage agency acquisitions to foster markets for sustainable technologies and environmentally preferable materials, products, and services
•    Design, construct, maintain, and operate high performance sustainable buildings in sustainable locations
•    Strengthen the vitality and livability of the communities in which Federal facilities are located
•    Inform Federal employees about and involve them in the achievement of these goals

In the wake of these federal targets, business sustainability front-runners are going to be in much favored position in the federal agency transformations. With new procurement and contracting policies in place, there will be opportunities for businesses prepared to meet the government’s requirements.

Utilizing a proactive model for business sustainability, leading organizations are placing themselves in a strategic position. At Taiga Company, our sustainability consulting works with clients to define business sustainability value drivers and integrate them into existing processes and evolving business models.   By anticipating and taking proactive steps to address change in the business world, organizations can not only target immediate internal value but can position themselves to capture business opportunities.