“An increasingly popular reason is to take advantage of the unique public relations opportunities that are available from becoming Green. “
Solar Panels and Wind Turbines
Photo courtesy of Nathan Mueller, O & E Media
One of the most common reasons a business or building owner incorporates energy efficiency is because of the money saved through the reduction of energy used. Another reason is often because the existing equipment was built in a time when there was little concern for conserving energy and newer models are now far more efficient. Other common reasons may include social responsibility, employee or customer comfort as well as visual appeal. An increasingly popular reason is to take advantage of the unique public relations opportunities that are available from becoming “Green”.
In an article entitled – The Dollars and Sense of Green Retrofits – the authors detailed the results of a survey that showed 75% of the organizations polled cited “Value of public relations and free publicity” as their motive for undergoing a green renovation. The authors of the article had this to say:
“From these results, it appears to us that many businesses that are taking on green retrofits are doing so to achieve market rather than cost structure objectives. “
To paraphrase the above quote, the companies surveyed saw more benefit in the market-ability of green renovations than the value of the cost savings.
To highlight that market-ability one company we worked with installed glass portals in the walls and floors of their renovated building to showcase the energy efficient technology that was hidden within. Another company installed plaques that told a story of the re-purposed products used during the construction of their new facility. A rooftop garden was the highlight of a business whose clients were encouraged to lounge in as they learned about the quantity of rainwater and heat the natural environment absorbed.
If a company wants to be perceived as “green,” then having visual reminders (solar panels, green gardens, etc) may be more important in the achievement of that goal than putting in a new energy-efficient heating system, nestled in the bowels of the building.
The nice thing about energy projects is they are good for the environment while they cut cost and improve cash flows. Getting some great PR (example here) can be an added bonus.
Are you considering a “Green Renovation”? The Energy Alliance Group of Michigan has compiled a free report entitled Ten Questions to Ask Before an Energy Efficiency Upgrade! The report details the most important information you need to consider in order to assure a successful outcome and is available HERE.
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