Are Energy Industry Leaders on the Environment’s Side?

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Many sustainably minded consumers often point to the Industry as the earth’s enemy by putting profit margins before the environment. Surely, there are companies that fit the bill. But based on a recent survey from Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services, there may be many more eco-friendly businesses out there than they thought. Their survey contained eight key questions and is a great look into the opinions of energy industry leaders.

Many sustainably minded consumers often point to the Industry as the earth’s enemy by putting profit margins before the environment. Surely, there are companies that fit the bill. But based on a recent survey from Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services, there may be many more eco-friendly businesses out there than they thought. Their survey contained eight key questions and is a great look into the opinions of energy industry leaders.

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For example, they found that, an overwhelmingly high percentage of energy industry stakeholders (82%) indicate that environmental protection should be given priority, even if an increase in the cost of energy is necessary. 1

With percentages that high, there is definite reason to believe the market is shifting towards an energy standard that could really change how more eco-friendly consumers view business ethics.  After all, the vast majority said they would put environmental protection ABOVE their profit margin. 

That said, in order to move from current practices to more environmentally friendly businesses, those surveyed believe they need to be incentivized to change their behavior. 4  So while it’s a move many energy industry businesses want to make, they also want to make sure it will be a smart move for their company.

Either way, it makes sense that there would be a high percentage of energy industry stakeholders in favor of the better environmental standards.  The evidence is mounting, from scary global warming statistics to industry leader attitudes, the benefits of renewable energy are clear. 

With ABB findings, it appears that there is hope that the market is leading to a consumer and business model where both the eco-friendly consumers and corporations are on the same side: balancing energy-efficiency, benefits, and the environment.

Citations

1.  Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services (2011). “A Smarter Energy Future” p.3
2, 3, 4. Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services (2011).  “Lowering Emissions (or Minimizing Climate Impact): Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy” p.5

Bio 

Jeremy Jones is a web designer and committed activist for environmental change.  He is the cofounder of the nonprofit The Kirksville Permaculture Education Center and he writes in association with ABB.

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