Biz Green Tech Spend Seen Rising

Companies will continue to invest in green technologies in 2009 at the same or greater levels than in 2008, according to a study by Panel Intelligence.

In its first quarterly sustainability track studying, conducted in early November of 65 sustainability executives from Fortune 500 companies, the cleantech and healthcare market research firm reports:

• Sustainability and clean technology spending as a percentage of corporate revenues should increase 73 percent through 2010.

• 82% of respondents rated energy efficiency as the most important area of focus and investment.

• Corporate spending on sustainable waste management initiatives is expected to grow by 20% in 2009, the highest percentage increase of any subcategory.

• Cost savings, revenue generation and brand strength are the most important drivers of environmental and clean technology initiatives.

• Nearly 55% of respondents observe no financial criteria (i.e. ROI, payback period) when evaluating sustainability projects for their respective organizations.

• A majority of respondents believe capital remains available for sustainability projects.

Says Scott Packard, the firm’s VP of quantitative research:

Sustainability and clean technology initiatives have achieved a tipping point and are no longer perceived by U.S. organizations as an optional expense. Rather, sustainability is an opportunity to achieve a greater competitive advantage and higher efficiency, even in a down economy. Similar to competitive pricing, technology and product quality, sustainability is starting to be required by customers and supply chain partners.