Bottom Line Green

Everyone is talking about "green" these days. Businesses are being chastised by the media and their customers for failing to adopt green strategies. Con artists have made uncounted millions by selling "carbon offsets" to people who feel guilty for having purchased an SUV. CIO's are being tasked with creating green IT plans because apparently they don't have enough work to do. Even T. Boone Pickens has jumped on the bandwagon to promote a greener America.

Frankly, I am of the opinion that the only "green" that means anything is in my bank account. But apparently after Al Gore invented the Internet, he also invented global warming so we must all be good stewards of our planet. Granted $4 per gallon of gas might have something to do with it too.

Unfortunately, too many of the pundits that are offering their opinions have got it all wrong. They are all promoting (i.e. selling) their own solutions that don't examine your actual business needs. Remember, environmental green is nice, but green money is why you're in business!

Any good "green" plan for business must be Bottom Line Green, meaning it makes sense as a business investment. That means eliminating waste and reducing energy consumption, both of which translate into real profits. This means adopting strategies that cut down on consumption within the business. This is as simple as asking people to stop printing their emails or as direct as installing solar power collectors.

Whatever strategy you choose to implement, be sure you are working with a partner that understands your business and can help you find the best options. Not just whatever he happens to be selling.

Click here to learn more about R-Squared's Green Initiatives.