Carbon Constrained Economy

How Business Needs to Operate within a Carbon Constrained Economy

In today's business environment, corporate boardrooms around the world are in constant debate over the competitive pressures facing their very existence. The optimist sees the glass as half-full and the pessimist sees it as half-empty. Recessionary times have squeezed revenues and investments alike, and placed particular emphasis on containment of costs on a day by day basis.

Environmentally, every business is now being called upon to contain its carbon footprint and the decibel level is both increasing and expanding, to now include input from stakeholders top to bottom.

As we have become increasingly aware of the damage that is being caused to our environment through the release of carbon and greenhouse gases, each of us, on a corporate or personal level, can view the situation as a challenge of opportunity rather than cast it in a totally negative light. Operation within a carbon constrained world does not have to have negative connotations for the business entity.

Taking the analogy of the glass half full, each organization should now look at how it can benefit from doing the right thing. Pending regulation should be embraced and companies positioned to act as leaders within their niche of operations - a standard bearer, if you will.

Making "Green Policies" and Sustainability Part of Core Operations

What kind of economic opportunity can a company foresee through a proactive adoption of “green” policies and processes? At the very least, it must be very vocal in its support of the principles. It is no longer necessary to turn to the scientist and question him or her about potential impacts on climate change and the very notion of global warming.

Rather, it is necessary to look at the reaction caused by the very idea, both in the corporate environment and within the body of public opinion. Companies across the board are taking direct action and this should be enough of a catalyst to invoke even more action on your part and a concerted effort to create a positive from a potential negative.

The first course of action should be to accurately determine an organization's carbon exposure. Once you know your footprint you should be able to identify all sources of emissions and have complete control over the assets and procedures concerned. Mid-and long-term scenarios should be composed to outline the effects of internal actions and decisions and the effects that pending and potential legislation may have.

Environmental or Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management Policies Will Change Business

As politicians’ debate changes in legislation they will solicit opinions and input from industry and commerce, in addition to the scientific world. This is a major opportunity for every business that classifies itself as a leader in its niche. This is an opportunity to influence policy. To get to this position you need to be seen as a company that takes action and initiates credible and tangible processes. Your expertise must be legitimate and hard-earned.

While the opportunity to influence developments within your industry directly is important, do not underestimate the sphere of public opinion. The average man in the street may not be highly educated when it comes to the complex issues concerning greenhouse gas production and emission, nor the procedures necessary to reduce a carbon footprint, but in general the consumer is well aware of the potential repercussions that stem from an inability to act.

About Verisae

Verisae helps measure, manage and reduce equipment and energy costs including the related business and environmental impacts of carbon emissions. The Sustainability Resource Planning (“SRP”) software platform improves operational efficiency, protects brand integrity and helps ensure regulatory compliance for distributed enterprises across many industries. Verisae delivers a broad range of sustainability solutions to dozens of clients globally with thousands of daily users including an extended network of third-party suppliers. Verisae’s integrated sustainability platform actively tracks millions of assets across thousands of sites worldwide.

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