Date: November 14, 2006
Source: Siemens
Is American corporate profitability tied to the proactive use of green ideas and green-building principles? Yes, according to findings from a new study, "Green Perspective from Corporate America," commissioned by Siemens Building Technologies and Siemens USA. Among its findings, the study revealed that leading U.S. companies have begun to incorporate green practices into their strategic business planning and view it as an emerging and important component of profitable future growth.
"This is the first time the leaders of corporate America have been polled on their opinions toward green and green building," says Bob Dixon, vice president of global energy services and solutions for Siemens Building Technologies. "It is important because we now know leaders view green facilities as a significant component of any overall green strategy," he adds.
Information gathered in "Green Perspective from Corporate America" revealed that the majority of large U.S. corporations are ready to embrace green as a part of the foundation of their corporate philosophy. The study also indicates a "green tipping point" in corporate America will be reached in early 2009, but could occur as soon as next year (2007).
Key research findings include:
Green and Green Building will emerge as a prominent corporate trend in the next 1 to 3 years.
* The majority of respondents believe their companies will be aligned with green industry practices within the next 3 years.
* 3 in 10 respondents believe their company will emerge as a market leader in green.
* Corporate leaders do recognize the importance of green and green building, but need to balance their business obligations to shareholders and first address issues of cost and profits.
* 40 percent consider green and green building to be of high importance to their organization.
* Almost 60 percent agree that green and green building would lower operating costs.
* Currently, 43 percent view green as part of their company's growth strategy.
* Escalating energy costs are key drivers of interest in green and green building for three-quarters of the survey's
respondents.
Siemens contracted the study from McGraw Hill Construction to achieve a better understanding of current attitudes and trends among the private sector toward green and green buildings. Participants were asked to rate their organization in five stages of green development: Stage 5 being, "The company approaches business as a holistic, restorative way," and Stage 1 representing, "Green is not part of the company mission."
As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, and fire safety and security system solutions, Siemens Building Technologies Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, productive, more efficient, and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, IL, Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates at a total of more than 500 locations in 51 countries.
Siemens USA is committed to sustainability not only through its own practices, but also by helping customers address their own sustainability needs through one of the world's broadest portfolios of energy and environmental care products. Siemens has built one of the world's largest water technology companies and its strong power generation base to include solutions in clean coal, wind, and waste-to-energy; emission/pollution control; green buildings; ethanol plant controls; and hybrid vehicles. In several of its non-energy businesses - lighting, transportation, industrial automation, and healthcare - the company is also providing solutions that sustain natural resources and contribute to quality of life.
For more information, contact:
Steven E. Kuehn
Siemens Building Technologies
847-941-6047
steve.kuehn@siemens.com
www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies.
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