Management Blog

A longer term approach to energy efficiency

A positive outcome of the GFC is an increased organisational focus on energy efficiency, according to Harvard Business' Leading Green blogger Andrew Shapiro.

But there are still serious hurdles standing the way of greener companies, including a lack of knowledge on how to adequately manage and optimise efficiency.

Shapiro claims the majority companies are prone to go after the 'lowest hanging fruit' when seeking to bolster their environmental credentials and then stop there.

To develop a longer-term approach to energy efficiency the following strategies are suggested:

• Front and centre - don't just leave efficiency to external consultants, make it a management imperative at all levels
• Look beyond energy - also consider efficiency gains in the areas of water, materials and organisational processes
• Get involved - network with other professionals on green issues in a bid to share ideas and best practice tips
• Morale booster - providing efficiency training to key staff can help boost morale, as can asking employees to highlight inefficiencies

Green resumes matter to employers

In our increasingly eco-conscious world not having a 'green resume' could cost you that next job or promotion, The Guardian reports.

Research by UK recruitment website fish4jobs indicates a third of employers would turn down a job seeker because they had inadequate green credentials.

And it appears the desire of companies to employ eco-conscious people is equally strong in Australia.

Speaking to CareerOne, management consultant Caroline McAuliffe says most companies now also report on their triple bottom line, an indicator that includes environmental issues.

McAuliffe says job seekers with green CVs have an edge as they are seen as being capable of imbedding green values into the culture of an organisation.     

If you're keen to go green, the Environmental Jobs Network - a not-for-profit organisation that connects job hunters to roles in the environmental sector - is suggested as a good place to start.

'Tis the season to be greener

A few small changes over the Festival Season can make a huge difference to your environmental footprint, according to the Total Environment Centre.

Speaking recently to Smart Company, the TEC's Jeff Angel suggests householders consider the following resource saving tips when celebrating Christmas:

• Before buying a new plastic tree, consider choosing a native Christmas tree you can plant in the garden in January
• Take reusable bags with you when shopping for gifts
• Don't leave the Christmas lights on all night and try using solar powered fairy lights
• Give your garden a water smart Christmas gift by investing in a rainwater tank
• Make your own Christmas cards using recyclable materials

Australians keen for green products

New research indicates 85 per cent of Australians are changing their buying patterns in order to reduce their carbon footprint, Marketing Magazine reports.

The L.E.K. Consulting study also found a small but increasing number of respondents said they'd be prepared to pay more for environmentally sustainable products and services.

It's claimed 63 per cent of Australians would be willing to change to carbon-friendly offerings that were equal in quality and price.

Researchers say the findings prove that opportunities abound for green marketers, especially in the retail, manufacturing, business services, energy, transport and electronics sectors.

Fiat and Microsoft go green with ecoDrive

Fiat and Microsoft have joined forces to develop a software program that enables people to drive in a more sustainable fashion.

According to Springwise, ecoDrive collects data on acceleration, gear changes and speed before offering program users a series of tips on how they can drive more efficiently.

For example, ecoDrive might suggest you brake more gently while turning corners or stay at the same speed while travelling on straight stretches of road.

Currently available for Fiat 500 and Grand Punto models, the program looks set to be a hit with eco-conscious drivers with claims ecoDrive can reduce emissions and petrol use by up to 15 per cent.

Green spending up and rising

A new study suggests almost 90 per cent of Australians are sceptical about the environmental claims made by companies, Marketing reports.

The Mobium Group study also reveals the number of consumers who want to 'do the right thing' for the environment has increased from 62 per cent in 2007 to 82 per cent this year.

Mobium says more than four million Australians are now making consumption choices that take the environment into consideration.

It's claimed the nation now spends more than $15 billion annually on sustainable and healthier products and services; this figure is tipped to rise by up to $10 billion over the next two years.

The ethical new world of work

The new book Saving the World at Work argues a 'responsible revolution' is taking place with employees seeking out companies that share their ethical values.

Speaking to Fast Company, author Tim Sanders says three trends are reshaping the workplace:

1. Employees are 'greening' their companies from within
2. The death of the causal consumer
3. Management acceptance of workers' corporate social responsibility ideas

Sanders says anyone can make an ethical difference to a workplace as their passion has the potential to unleash the power of many.

In addition, he claims CEOs have become better listeners with research suggesting 80 per cent of 'really cool green or community innovation' is developed by non C-level employees.

Workers dig green ideas

With more and more employees demanding green workplaces, it's time for managers to take their organisation's environmental stance to a new level, the Leading Green blog argues.

With this in mind the following tips on how managers can walk the green walk and talk the green talk are offered. In summary, these include:

1. Consider green policies that both improve workers' everyday experiences and help the environment, e.g. switching to hybrid cars

2. Look outside the office for inspiration by offering a petrol-saving 'work from home' option or even a shoe subsidy for walkers

3. Spell it out by articulating your company's green point of difference and make it part of your business strategy

Green offices in demand

More than 50 per cent of office tenants are keen to reside in green buildings, a recent study has found.

Colliers' 2008 Office Tenant Survey indicates the majority of tenants didn't just see the value of green office spaces, they are also prepared to pay higher rents to occupy one.

The Australian claims the trend shows many businesses are serious about corporate social responsibility while cost savings and staff retention are suggested as other benefits.

The study also found 77 per cent of tenants considered environmental sustainability when refurbishing their workplaces in 2008, an increase of 28 per cent over the last three years.

Business travellers go green

A new US study suggests an increasing number of business travellers are keen to stay at green hotels, Smart Company reports.

The Deloitte study found 34 per cent of travelling professionals said they actively looked for hotels that implemented green initiatives, such as recycling and energy efficient lighting.

In an encouraging sign for the hospitality industry, 28 per cent of travellers said they were prepared to pay more for green accommodation options.

The study also looked at the sustainability-related habits of travellers.

Surprisingly, the researchers claim younger professionals are less inclined to turn off the air conditioning when they leave their room or request for bedding and towels not to be changed.