Industry can take a leading role in focusing serious attention on global warming by developing a portfolio of actions that save money, improve productivity, and protect the environment. Companies pursuing energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects stand to gain a competitive edge over firms that fail to make these changes.
What Can Businesses Do?
Educate
Business representatives can educate themselves, their customers, and their suppliers on the risks associated with climate change and the opportunities available to address those risks. Additional and active information sharing will expand the base of ideas, opportunities, and solutions for everyone.
Promote Energy Efficiency
Lowering energy use not only reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, it also may reduce energy bills and total manufacturing costs. Establishing a strong corporate energy management program to identify opportunities and manage for continuous improvement is key for realizing the benefits of increased energy efficiency. EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program currently works with Industry to identify the best in energy management. For steps you can take now to improve the efficiency of your manufacturing plant, visit the Wise Rules page.
Support Renewable Energy
Purchasing or investing in clean energy technologies (wind, solar, biomass, small hydro and co-generation) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide job opportunities for individuals entering this growing field. Some companies have installed solar panels on their roofs and constructed wind farms to meet their electricity needs. As these alternative energy sources become more popular, they can address both the environmental and economic concerns of any business entity.
Lead By Example
Various businesses and corporations are highly regarded whether it is for their product quality, ethics, or standing in the community. These leaders can provide a powerful example promoting GHG reduction strategies through corporate incentives such as financial assistance for employees who use public transportation, car-pooling and even telecommuting. Other "green" practices such as recycling and purchasing recycled materials also contribute to overall GHG reductions. Corporate policies involving employees and day to day operations will have a positive impact on the climate in and outside the office.
Participate in Voluntary Partnership Programs
The Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies are helping many U.S. industries find creative ways to improve their competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 1993, the Climate Change Action Plan was launched at the national level to facilitate partnerships between government agencies and the private sector. The CCAP consists of a variety of programs some of which were tailored to address industrial emissions, including ENERGY STAR® and Waste Wise.
Additional Resources
EPA's Renewable Energy Site — Generating electricity from renewable energy sources can result in substantial reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This page explores energy production from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydro sources; it also looks at the emissions reduction potential associated with the purchase of "green power."
ENERGY STAR® Program — The ENERGY STAR Program facilitates building and office equipment upgrades to maximize energy efficiency and profits while reducing pollution.
EPA's Methane Energy Programs — Through these voluntary programs, companies work with EPA to achieve emissions reductions by implementing cost-effective management methods and technologies. The programs are designed to overcome a wide range of informational, technical, and institutional barriers to reduce methane emissions, while creating profitable activities for the coal, natural gas, landfill, and agricultural industries.
Waste Wise Program — Reducing a facility's volume of solid waste can lower waste management costs while conserving resources. The Waste Wise program shows companies how to cut their generation of solid waste and how much money they can save by doing so.
Wise Rules for Industrial Efficiency: A Tool Kit for Estimating Energy Savings and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions (4.5M pdf). — US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 231-R-98-014, (September, 2003). Estimate energy, cost and CO2 savings from a variety of process efficiency measures. Tool Kit appendices include a summary of sector-specific savings opportunities and a list of references and resources for more information on energy efficiency.
Action Plan "First Tier" Checklist: Turning Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance Into a Corporate Asset (87k pdf). — US Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Wise Program, (December, 1997). The Checklist identifies the different types of industrial actions recommended by Climate Wise for developing a successful Action Plan.
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change 
— Established in 1998 by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change undertakes economic and scientific studies, conducts public education, promotes climate change solutions globally, and works with businesses to develop solutions to reduce greenhouse gasses while sustaining a healthy economy.