Alaska Conservation Solutions

Businesses play an important role in climate change. Industrial and commercial sectors are responsible for a large portion of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Businesses Taking Action

Some business leaders have already begun to take steps to reduce their greenhouse emissions. Their reasons for taking action are compelling.

First, they recognize that climate change has the potential to significantly impact business operations. These changes may come from government regulations or direct changes in weather patterns, water levels and storm severity. Second, they see taking action on this important issue because employees and customers are looking to leaders to address growing Global warming concerns.

Taking action makes good business sense. Reductions in greenhouse gases improve company’s profits and competitiveness. “The Global Environmental Management Initiative estimates that many businesses which strive for best practice in their processes and buildings can cut carbon emissions by 25% to 50%, while greatly improving financial performance with lowered energy costs and increased productivity. The most efficient businesses in America use about 30% less energy than their competitors and outperform them by as much as 10% on net operating income.” [US EPA 2002]

In today’s environment of rising energy costs and supply uncertainties, improving energy efficiency makes sense from both a climate and bottom line perspective. Energy efficient companies will increase their competitive advantage as energy prices increase.

Solutions

• Green Star is a non-profit organization that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention. Green Star can help you implement changes to reduce energy consumption and eliminate waste. Through site assessments, tip sheets , and recycling resources, Green Star can help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and improve your company’s profits.
• SafeClimate for Business brings together corporations, entrepreneurs, investors and business schools to create profitable solutions to environmental and developmental challenges. They offer sound advice on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy, transportation, recycling and business process areas. They also provide tools to help you calculate your carbon emissions from different activities.

The following companies can help you to reduce your energy consumption by providing energy audits.