Low carbon conference reveals big business is getting the message
Something amazing is clearly happening if 560 big-wigs in business are attending conferences to cut their carbon emissions. The Low Carbon World Conference held in London last week hosted some top names in UK business including senior representatives from Marks and Spencer, Google Inc. and KPMG. The event closed with 93% of business leaders committing to measure their organisation’s COproduction.
UK’s first carbon neutral chair | Kodak Gallery: first carbon neutral cycling team
Apparently, 59% revealed that they have a board member whose remit embraces sustainability. With many companies joining carbon-offsetting schemes there is no question that the environment is increasingly becoming a major player in how businesses see their future. Take this statement, for instance, made by Adrian Wyatt, CEO of Quintain Estates and Development PLC and the man behind the conference.
“In order to achieve a sustainable future we need a joined up approach to energy, fiscal and planning policy. If we walk away from this challenge we are endangering the future of capitalism as well as the planet.”
No one should be fooled - many companies are jumping on the eco-bandwagon for green-glory alone, simply as a new-age marketing ploy. A lighting company recently asked me to review its new energy-efficient “range”. So they called it, although it amounted to four white squares with fluorescent bulbs inside. Although progress in the business world will have to include financial incentives, last week's conference shows undoubtedly that playing by green-rules is the new game.
