Eco-friendly

Posted August 20, 2007 at 7:20 pm by admin in General.

One the of most discussed topics in present-day media is climate change. A hot issue already for years, but since Al Gore’s documentary it starts to trickle through to all layers of economy. Companies are no longer just screened as market leader, best employer, or highest quoted on the stock exchange, but also on their eco-friendliness.

Companies put their eco-friendliness forward to distinguish themselves from competitors. This new marketing tool is conveniently used for all sorts of campaigns, to attract new employees and overrule competitors. Many manufacturing companies could indeed do a lot to improve environmental friendliness of their manufacturing processes. Think of more environmental-friendly ways of mining or growing raw materials. But what can IT companies, who only provide services, contribute to eco-friendliness?

On a small scale, there are many household measures for separation of water, banning use of plastic cups, only printing what’s essential, use of low-energy appliances, etc. A step further would be to stimulate employees to commute by cycling or use of public transport, and steering towards a paperless office. These are small things employees and employers can at least contribute to, as we do at Jitscale as well.

If it concerns an IT company with its own premises, much more can be achieved. An example of such a company is Adobe, who manages eco-friendliness by using motion detection lights, refusal of individual packaging and installation of waterless urinals. And they eventually even managed to save on trade! Two birds with one stone! Of course, this requires substantial prior investments, but Adobe’s head office is now acclaimed the ‘greenest office’ in the United States. Great advertising.

Fortunately in the Netherlands there are some eco-friendly industrial estates to be found. A good alternative for businesses without their own property. Think for example of joint collection and use of rain water, use of solar panels, good access by public transport, etc.

Of course I immediately investigated whether Jitscale’s office is part of an eco-friendly business estate. I’m sorry to say I couldn’t find any information on this. Apparently this criterion is not (yet) included in rating business or industrial estates. I did find out Jitscale’s office building is in a location ranked among the top 93 of best Dutch business estates 2006. At least that’s a positive thing to know. I hope environmental criteria will be included in the next report on best business estates, as this is such a topical issue and it would be interesting to know!