According To Australian Professionals, Going "Green" Is "Gold"

Australian professionals believe a company's efforts to go "Green" could pay financial dividends, but don't think businesses are doing nearly enough.

According to a recent survey as part of Konica Minolta's seminar series Innovation: Mind the Gap, more than half of Australian professionals (62%) believe they would be more productive when working in an eco-friendly environment, yet only 6% rate their workplace as being "Green".

Moreover, 90% of Australian professionals believe their organisation is not doing enough to reduce its environmental footprint.

The perceptions represented in the survey are backed up with mounting evidence, which shows that environmental programs have the potential to reduce energy costs, regulatory risk and build competitive advantage and brand reputation.

Indeed, as the Investor Group on Climate Change (representing 315 investors with assets of US$ 41 trillion) highlighted in its most recent report, corporate responses to climate change have become a significant issue for capital markets in measuring company value.

Clearly the business landscape is shifting. Employee expectations, along with customers and investors, are expecting business to respond by managing their environmental impact in a more sustainable and transparent way.

Commenting on the findings, Gemma White, Program Manager of Grow Me The Money said, "Although regulators, capital markets and the community generally are demanding greater environmental accountability - and there are cost savings and competitive advantages in doing so - many businesses still face challenges when it comes choosing the appropriate initiatives and taking those first steps to enact them."

"I think that most managers and senior executives know that going green makes great financial sense to their organisation but they need assistance in finding out exactly how it will best work for their business."

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, offers a broad range of multifunctional digital imaging solutions inspired by its bizhub brand of powerful solutions that serve as the central resource for document scanning, in-house printing, copying, faxing and electronic archiving and distribution. Konica Minolta delivers expert professional services and experienced, responsive client support, in addition to the world-class service provided through its extensive network of direct sales offices and authorised dealers. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta at www.konicaminolta.com.au. For more information on Grow Me The Money please visit: www.growmethemoney.com.au
First published: 11 August 2008.
Last updated: 11 August 2008.