Sustainability: business, life, environment

According to Reuters, lost financing, low prices for natural gas and political uncertainty were projected to reduce the investment in renewable energy in 2009.  However, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)  recently reported that more than 2,800 megawatts of wind energy industry was installed in the United States over the of the first quarter of 2009. In addition, pending legislation could call for a mandate that 25 percent of the country’s electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2025.  As a sustainability consultant, we see many ways to embrace this growing eco awareness and capture the benefits to being on the forefront of renewable investment.

Progressive thinkers are evaluating energy management across the entire value chain:

Energy Management Reduces Operational Cost: Leading businesses are focusing on the high impact areas and implementing a sustainability plan that engages employees, supplier, customers, and other key stakeholders.  Companies are reevaluating their energy consumption and evaluating new business sustainability strategies to reduce cost.

Renewable Investment Reduces Business Risk: An increase in renewable energy options has opened the door for businesses  to evaluate and manage their energy sources.  Companies are taking the next step in energy management decision making by evaluating renewable options.  According to a 2008 report by KPMG, large multinational organizations, who have made public commitments to reduce their footprints, are implementing renewable energy sourcing policies.

Renewable Energy Stimulates Growth: Alternative energy critics claim that the renewable energy benefits do not outweigh the cost differential of conventional energy.  However, across the nation, wind energy is creating jobs in rural areas and a new source of revenue for the American farmer. 

As an energy consultant, I agree with most energy experts who describe the need for a comprehensive approach to meet the world’s future energy needs.  Cleaner traditional energy production will need to be combined with alternative energy sources to provide a more sustainable future infrastructure.