Solar Energy Systems as a Business Sustainability Performance Strategy
Photo by Danny Smith
Yesterday afternoon, I climbed a very tall ladder to stand on the roof of a large commercial building on a hot day in the middle of an Alabama summer with Sam Yates, President of Eagle Solar and Light. We ventured onto this rooftop to observe Eagle’s installation of the largest solar energy system to date in Birmingham, Alabama. I was very impressed and used the opportunity to film a brief discussion with Sam on the use of solar energy systems to achieve business sustainability performance targets and a link to that video is provided below; however, I don’t think I am going to win any cinematography awards because of loud background noises and wind; nonetheless, you will be able to see an impressive solar energy system.
Sustainability consulting is one of the services provided by Primarium and I also teach a graduate-level course on sustainability in Samford University’s Master of Science in Environmental Management program. Sustainability performance is now an expectation of customers and investors. A company’s “green image” is strategically important for success in the modern world. I enjoy the challenge of finding win-win opportunities to: (a) enhance green image; (b) improve environmental, social, and operational performance; and, (c) improve a company’s financial bottom line all at the same time. These types of win-win solutions are sustainable in the broadest sense of the term.
Solar energy and LED lighting often provide excellent opportunities to achieve these types of win-win sustainability goals where a company can save significant energy cost and improve its “green image” to potential customers or investors. Solar energy systems paired with LED lighting typically have fast payback periods because of displaced energy from the grid, enhanced energy efficiency, and tax incentives.
After a company has implemented these types of solutions, it then has a sustainability story to share with prospective investors and customers to achieve strategic success.
Primarium can help.
