March 12, 2008—The green movement among technology organizations is aimed at mitigating their impact on the planet, but the strongest driver is economic, according to a new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, “Technology Executive Connections: Going Green: Sustainable Growth Strategies.”
Forty percent of technology executives claim the green movement creates significant market opportunities for their companies, as evidenced by a noticeable increase in customer demand for green products and services. Additionally, 60 percent of respondents cite energy savings as one of the most important factors in their company’s environmental decision-making process.
According to the survey, 61 percent of executives feel it is very important (29 percent) or important (32 percent) that their companies take steps to reduce their environmental impact. This shift toward green products, services and business operations is reportedly having a direct impact on the level of collaboration and innovation found throughout the entire technology value-chain, including marketing, HR, R&D processes, manufacturing, and supply chains.
Organizations are paying closer attention to the actions of their partners and suppliers as well. One in five executives (18 percent) claim their companies practice environmentally preferred purchasing, selecting products and services that have a lesser effect on the environment than competitive products and services. Within the next two years, this figure will rise to over half (53 percent), says the report.
