Demand Mounts for Talent to Implement “Green Initiatives”
The American Solar Energy Society finds that renewable energy and energy-efficient industries were responsible for the creation of nearly 8.5 million jobs in 2006, and that number is expected to reach 40 million by 2030, according to the AP. Overall, concerns over climate change and rising oil prices have made reducing energy consumption and emissions a priority for businesses and governments around the world.
Already on Wall Street, there is a “green” revolution under way, as a growing number of firms implement initiatives to decrease their carbon footprint according to SecuritiesIndustry.com. Citigroup, Wachovia, Barclays and Washington Mutual are among the growing number of financial firms that have already pledged to address climate change in the coming years. Now as the issues relating to measuring, reducing and investing in energy efficiencies become higher priorities in boardrooms across the country, CIOs are under increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption without losing strategic perspective.
Industry Experts say green initiatives, particularly data center efficiency, should be a priority for the potential cost savings alone, and CIOs must be held accountable. Executive search firm, A.E. Feldman, reports that demand is surging for executives with the expertise to address mounting energy concerns. The firm has a team of industry veterans already working with a number of corporations to identify and place qualified professionals who can design and implement strategies for maximizing energy efficiency.
Research conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) shows that offices consume 70% of the electricity load in the U.S. They also account for 39% of energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, 40% of raw materials use and 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually).
Pressure is mounting on all businesses to cut their heat trapping emissions, according to Risk Center. The report also states this is particularly true of commercial buildings that are responsible for more than one-third of those releases, although confusion persists as to how to deal with the problem. According to Risk Center, businesses can’t control energy prices, but they can manage how much power they use.
As a result, the USGBC has issued a memorandum asking building owners to make their properties carbon-neutral by 2030, states Risk Center. The report adds that those buildings would use no energy from external power grids. USGBC says they could be built and operated at fair market values, noting that the average building that is certified under the council’s standards uses 32% less energy.
Green Initiatives “Taking Off”
Economic uncertainty requires innovative thinking - ideas that can ultimately give enterprises a competitive advantage, says Risk Center. The report concludes that green initiatives are taking off and becoming investments that can ultimately preserve the environment… and reward shareholders. In fact, research shows these are two of the main reasons behind current green initiatives.
A recent study conducted by CIO Insight polled 147 IT executives about their company’s motivation for launching green initiatives. Topping the list are environmental concerns. The vast majority, 74%, of respondents say they are the main driving force behind their eco-friendly initiatives. Trailing closely behind, 73% of those polled report cost cutting as the reason or their green initiatives. According to the study, corporate image, regulation and shareholder pressure were also cited as reasons for launching energy-saving programs.
Bottom Line: energy efficiency is now a profitability initiative with shareholder implications. As a result, talent with expertise in the design and implementation of energy-saving initiatives, particularly data center efficiency, are hot commodities.
Right now, A.E. Feldman is one step ahead of this growing trend. The firm’s Energy Team is currently working with a number of firms to identify and place qualified professionals who can design and implement strategies for maximizing energy efficiency. To learn more about these trends or related job opportunities, our lines of communication are open. Please contact A.E. Feldman’s President, Mitch Feldman and the firm’s expert recruiting team here.
