SMEs need to realise that success and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

SME managers across the UK have traditionally skirted around energy management and sustainability in favour of focus on short-term profit.
But rising energy bills and new carbon reduction legislation are now conspiring to force their hand.

SMEs need to realise that success and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, says Adrian Newton of Energy Solutions by bringing sustainability into the boardroom, companies can not only slash energy costs; they can also boost their bottom line, build their brand equity and reinforce their reputation.

Despite growing interest in corporate and social responsibility (CSR) issues, the UK’s business leaders have, until recently, neatly managed to sidestep any real strategic approach to energy management and sustainability. A recent survey by O2 of senior leaders in the private and public sectors revealed a divergence of views on this issue.

While 46 per cent of respondents said they planned to prioritise sustainability over the next two years, 36 per cent acknowledged that they would move away from it. But the report also showed an emerging consensus that sustainability is good for business, with almost 60 percent of the senior executives questioned saying it would increase market share over the next ten years and 44 percent thought it would boost profits by underpinning a more efficient operating model.
According to Peter Graf, chief sustainability officer at SAP, sustainability is a trend that is “really powered by IT”, especially as SAP provides software that supports all different enterprise areas, from supply chains and logistics to distribution and HR.

“Software is key because software can measure, optimise and improve how business is run."

“IT creates transparency. With software, you can find the areas where you can have the biggest impact [on the carbon footprint.”

To Find out More about SAP Business One, designed specifically to meet the needs to small to midsize companies, visit www.beabetterbusiness.co.uk or www.beabetterbusiness.ie

Original Article: SME Web