On 2nd February 2010, a group of individuals united by a mutual interest in the environment met to talk about corporate carbon. The event was hosted at The Duke of Cambridge – an organic pub accredited by the Soil Association and powered by solar and wind energy – and featured a series of 5 minute (Ignite-style) presentations.
This presentation on Cisco and Greenbang’s Smart Carbon Research was given by Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland.
You can download the report at: http://www.greenbang.com/research
<Richard/Dan will introduce you> Good evening to everyone I’m delighted to be here and to have the opportunity to share findings from ‘The Smart Carbon Research’ survey which will be released tomorrow by Cisco and Greenbang. The researchers used both quantitative and qualitative techniques to investigate attitudes among British energy providers and corporate consumers regarding environmental challenges. So I will now attempt to give you the highlights in this 5 minute format!
So in summary I will cover these 3 points the burning question - what is going to have the most impact when it comes to reducing carbon What are the main motivations for doing it If we are genuine about making an impact – how do we move forward and rise to the challenge?
So what is going to have the most impact if we are to reduce carbon and make an impact? I believe it is all of these areas and probably a few more, which I will come onto later – But can anybody guess – in the research which area from the four above was rated highest in terms of having the most impact? Wait and see – hands and then click to reveal to next slide
So probably not surprising - the research has found that the driver which will have the most impact on businesses ability to reduce emissions is monitoring and measurement with 58% selecting this over other areas. Many organisations have indeed started to measure emissions whether as part of their building management or smart metering processes and I think this is a trend which we will see continue
The area which ranked 2 nd was alternative, renewable energy sources with 52% If we look at the shift in energy provision and use of fuels over the past 5 years, this is also an important and growing area which changes the way we manage energy in the home at work and in industry.
It’s pleasing to see IT playing a key role, particularly with many new technologies which allow us to reduce travel and also manage emissions more effectively. IT’s role will continue to change and I will come onto this in a second
So finally, as many of us no doubt will know – new work practices, flexible working and schemes such as bike to work are improving awareness and the employee and employers role in carbon reduction
So moving onto the motivators for carbon reduction. The research has concluded cost savings, the need to reduce carbon and legislation as the main reasons Any guesses which is the key motivator for an organisation? Click to reveal
When asked about motivations, cost savings were cited as the most important factor in encouraging UK companies to improve energy monitoring and management at 68%
Followed by the compelling need to actually do this
And finally, which some may find a surprise – due to the legislation So there are the key findings, let me change a gear and move onto what all this means and how we can rise to the challenge
An area which is top of the agenda when it comes to making significant impact is technology If we look at discussions over the past few months in particular, as well as technology playing a role in the ability to monitor and manage consumption, there is also an opportunity for organisations and energy providers to unite and innovate new solutions, roles and methods of driving a greener economy and UK
It is reassuring to see the numbers in the research reflecting this with 96% stating technology can help the UK meet targets However only around a third (36%) can see budget being diverted to the cause So how do we move forward….Rise to the challenge and drive true change? There is no magic answer, but there are some essential steps or ingredients for success which I would like us to reflect on …
Firstly There is no such thing as a free lunch for when it comes to smart carbon In order to move forward, more organisations need to be willing to make a budgetary commitment to innovative, process changing green ICT. Accepting this reality, organisations will need to consider how this will be accommodated in their budgets in the present financial climate
Secondly and as we have touched upon – we need to be smarter in measurement. Organisations will be at different stages along the route towards environmental technologies. However, the research highlights that a majority currently see measurement as the immediate focus. It is important that there is the motivation within these organisations to make the transition from measurement to real, tangible action
Next – organisations need to step up and not wait for legislation to evolve If we want to drive change, we need to be innovative and proactive The UK’s legislation at the moment addresses just one element of a company’s carbon impact. Our research has demonstrated a good understanding for how technology can reduce the UK’s total carbon output, but those organisations that make exemplary organisational changes, replacing business travel with intelligent collaborative technology for example, can drive positive change – we cant afford to wait for the legislation
Within any organisation, employees are engaged to varying degrees in the process of converting to green technologies. Those who are more engaged should ensure that the momentum to educate is maintained, and that the educative cycle is continued. Progress can be accelerated only through an increased understanding of the requirements of legislation and, perhaps more importantly, the benefits of changing behaviours when it comes to consumption as a consumer or the way in which we travel and consume energy
Finally – we need to use the current legislation as an opportunity The will for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme to succeed is there, but it needs to be sold to businesses as a measure with commercial and reputational advantages above and beyond the obvious environmental gains. The legislation will also need to evolve in order to provide value to the UK in addressing an extraordinarily complex issue and contributing to 2020 targets.
So I hope that’s a useful ‘taster’ of the research – and I would encourage you to take a look at the full report which will be released tomorrow and available from the Greenbang or Cisco’s website
Thank you for listening and together – let’s rise to the challenge! Handover to ?
