Houston is known as the "Energy Capital of the World " and it has its own problems and opportunities. The oil and gas industry has always been important to the city's economy source. But local businesses are trying to change because the world is moving toward renewable energy. It's not just about being good to the environment it's also about staying relevant and making money.
Because of climate change flooding and hurricanes are also very real here. Do you remember Harvey? That was a wake up call. Companies saw for themselves how environmental risks can affect their operations and profits source. Going green is good for the environment and good for business because it keeps them from losing money and time.
Think about how much less you could pay for electricity. Doesn't it sound good? One of the fastest ways for Houston businesses to go green is to make their buildings more energy efficient. How do you ask? It's about using things like smart thermostats LED lights and HVAC systems that use less energy to save energy. You do have to pay up front but you'll save money in the long run.
Businesses can cut their energy use by up to 30% with simple changes according to Energy.gov. But it's not just about the money. People expect businesses to follow the law and lower their carbon footprint by using less energy.
Let's be honest who doesn't like a business that cares about the environment? Going green isn't just good for your business it's also a great way to market your business. People today especially those in their 20s and 30s like brands that are good for the environment and last a long time. Nielsen did a survey and found that 81% of people around the world think businesses should do more to protect the environment.
So you get two benefits you make things run better and you get more and more customers who care about social issues. Telling people about your eco friendly practices can help your brand's image and make customers more loyal.
It may seem hard to switch to renewable energy but it's easier and cheaper than you might think. Prices for solar panels wind turbines and other renewable technologies have gone down a lot in the last ten years. Consider how nice it would be to power your office at least in part with solar energy. Not only does this help you use less energy but you can also sell any extra energy back to the grid which is a nice bonus.
Solar energy is a great option for Houston because it gets a lot of sun all year round. Check out how the city is getting ready for solar energy. Houston Public Media says that many businesses in the area still have a long way to go before they fully embrace solar energy.
Now let's talk about the supply chain. This includes a lot of the damage a business does to the environment. It's not just what you do it's also what your suppliers do. Your business can greatly lower its carbon footprint by either working with suppliers who care about the environment or by choosing suppliers who do.
Also companies that push for new ideas in their supply chains often find even more ways to save money. Climate related events are less likely to cause problems in the supply chain and supplies that are good for the environment are getting cheaper.
Companies in Houston that care about the environment are doing more than their fair share. They are getting ready to do well in a market that is always changing. The benefits are clear lower costs and risks a stronger brand and a better chance of winning in the market. Do you think you could use some help along the way? The Houston Green Building Resource Center and the Houston Renewable Energy group are two local groups that can help you.
It's not only smart to be more environmentally friendly it's also necessary. In a city like Houston where the effects of climate change are clear and the need for new ideas is strong those who choose to walk the path to sustainability will find many chances to do so.
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