Paul Sheldon in Finland
Former US Representative Thomas Barrett once said, “Chaos in the world brings uneasiness but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth.” And it was this opportunity for creativity and growth, which Paul Sheldon, Senior Consultant for Natural Capitalism Solutions based in Longmont, Colorado, highlighted on September 21st to US Embassy contacts during an evening reception hosted by Ambassador Bruce Oreck and Mrs. Cody Douglas Oreck.
The ‘chaos’ in this context was global warming. Global climate change is rapidly altering the environment in which we live, and the impact on businesses will be significant. Deteriorating ecosystems will lead to more volatile energy prices and increased economic instability – neither of which bode well for the commercial sector.
Yet businesses do not have to be passive players when it comes to global warming. As Mr. Sheldon pointed out, businesses not only have an important role in protecting the environment, but ‘going green’ is actually very profitable. He pointed to the example of DuPont – an American Fortune 500 company. In 1990 DuPont decided to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and raise revenue by 6% with no corresponding increase in energy use. Today their GHGs from global operations are down by 80%, their global energy use is 9% below 1990 levels and they recorded a savings of $3 billion between 2000 and 2005 alone – all thanks to new green measures.
Mr. Sheldon also discussed Wal-Mart, describing how in undertaking a comprehensive review of its carbon footprint its executives noted several wasteful energy practices – particularly in the open-bin refrigerated meat and dairy aisles. Wal-Mart redesigned the aisles putting all refrigerated food behind sealed doors and installing motion-sensory lights. This small effort significantly improved Wal-Mart’s energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint. It also helped sales! Children found the motion-sensory lights fascinating, which attracted parents (as potential buyers) to new items.
As Mr. Sheldon described it, the developed world is entering the “6th wave” of industrial innovation, which encompasses sustainability, radical resource productivity and renewable energy. Just like the 1st wave (iron, mechanization) or the 5th wave (digital networks, software information technology), companies that react first will reap the best rewards of reduced expenses and increased revenue.
Finland already has a number of local companies riding that wave and tapping into green growth. During his two-day trip, Mr. Sheldon met with representatives of the Federation of Finnish Financial Services, Helsingin Energia, and BaseN to exchange best practices.
Mr. Sheldon’s presentation provided the kick-off for US Embassy Helsinki’s Energy and Environment Series – a four-part speaker series running October to December 2009. The series features key American specialists highlighting America’s technical and scientific creativity in dealing with global warming. The series details can be found on the Embassy website . All are encouraged to attend and take part in this most important discussion.
