Companies defy global recession with green agenda

More than two thirds (76%) of organisations surveyed for The Carbon Management and Offsetting Trends Survey Report 2009 have in place or are planning a carbon management strategy despite the economic downturn.

The report, published this month, says: “Despite the somewhat doom-and-gloom outlook for the world’s economy in 2009, green issues have remained high on the agenda with both senior management and corporate boards.”

Some 60% of companies responding to the survey have measured their carbon footprint but the variation among regions is high.

Just 54% of North American companies have assessed their carbon footprint compared to 62% of European respondents and 92% of Australasian companies.

But the report finds that with or without carbon management strategies or footprint measurements companies are ‘already taking action by implementing energy efficiency measures’.

More than two thirds of companies have already bought carbon offsets or would consider doing so before 2012, the report found.

An overwhelming 91% cite environmental benefits as their main motivation along with carbon neutrality and marketing reasons (89%).

And the future looks bright. The number buying carbon offsets is ‘likely to increase as companies work hard to meet long-dated carbon neutrality targets’, the report says.

It finds companies prefer buying carbon offsets in renewable energy projects, with solar and wind power the favourites.

“In terms of what buyers want, the voice is loud and clear,” the report said: “Customers want renewable energy projects – specifically solar and wind, which scored 92% and 86% respectively, showing a clear preference for renewable energy.”

The research sampled 280 global, multinational and regional organisations along with 31 carbon companies.

It was compiled by carbon offsetting firm EcoSecurities, climate change law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP and climate management business resource ClimateBiz,

ClimateBiz managing editor, Matthew Wheeland, said: “It’s highly encouraging to see this growth in interest from companies taking climate action, despite the doom-and-gloom outlook on the global economy this year.

“Although there’s still plenty of room for improvement, these survey results show that companies are keeping green issues high on their agendas.”

To read the report click here.