Seven out of 10 to turn to IT to cut carbon footprint

That’s the prediction of Ewan French, co-developer of the CAST-CO2 supply chain carbon footprint optimisation software, and COO of Solihull-based global consultancy Barloworld Optimus. His comments come as figures reveal that 76% of the world’s 2,400 leading companies reported implementing a greenhouse gas emissions reduction initiative last year – up from 48% in 2006. According to French, proposed government action, as well as a rising tide of public demand to address global warming and corporate social responsibility, are beginning to spark-off a dramatic surge in the number of companies actively seeking to reduce emissions. He believes that tools like CAST-CO2 represent “the only realistic way ahead” as the onus falls on businesses to act or suffer the consequences. “Designing a supply chain to minimise not only operational costs, but carbon emissions, is the goal that all companies should now be considering,” he says. He adds that currently one in 20 UK companies is using software that can reduce emissions by between 20 and 30% – but that with big changes on the way, a marked switch in the way they do business between themselves and with their customers is about to take off. “Tackling greenhouse gas emission is the big issue of the day and pressure on all governments to take steps to reduce it is now on a sharp upwards curve. The UK Climate Bill demands a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. “The EU has an agenda to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020. Most countries in the world now view global warming as their biggest or second biggest concern over the next six months. And the government’s chief scientific advisor professor sir David King recently described climate change as ‘the most severe problem that we are facing today’,” says French. “UK firms are now faced with significant business opportunities to simultaneously reduce cost and carbon emissions through energy reduction, and once they take on board the sound business sense of embracing the latest technology – typically highlighted by the startling conclusion that just taking one lorry off the road for a year is equal to the cost of the software – the sooner they will reap the benefits. “The only realistic way of testing and predicting the impact of alternative supply chains is through modelling, and as a powerful driver towards better business, new technology holds the key. Companies are now faced with excellent opportunities to work collaboratively to reduce emissions with product and service suppliers and the consumer, and the sustainable message can also be marketed across the products and through staff, supplier, shareholder and stakeholder awareness programmes. “Add to that the potential to identify further opportunities to increase operational efficiencies, mitigate current and future risk, and enhance the reputation as a corporate citizen and the sound business advantages of accurate modelling become clear.”