Climate Capitalism makes the argument that there are business opportunities in solving climate issues. Lovins argues that the view that sustainable business practices reduce the bottom is outdated and simply not true. She gives examples of how businesses can take advantage of climate capitalism to both improve the climate and save money.
I really liked the topics covered in this book, but I found it a little hard to read. I feel like the information in this book could have been condensed and more well organized. With that being said, I like that it went through the different industries and gave specific examples of how companies have been investing in projects to improve efficiencies and save costs. It really shows that there are some areas where money can be made by saving the climate.
Check out the book here on Amazon Canada
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Efficiency matters
The first step to sustainability is improving efficiency.
Let’s take energy used in a house for example.
The best way to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce the total energy used by your home.
The capital costs to invest in better insulation, double-pane windows, and energy-efficient light bulbs will pay themselves back by reducing the total energy used by your home.
It doesn’t make sense to invest in sustainable energy sources if the energy generated from them is being wasted through inefficiencies.
The most cost-effective way to make a difference is to first reduce the total energy used.
The next step is to take a look at where that energy is coming from.
2. Invest in sustainability
Once efficiencies have been improved, it is time to look at the energy source.
The next step is to invest in sustainable energy sources.
The key here is to find ways to reduce greenhouse gases that are investments, not just expenses.
With the help of government programs, there is profit to be made from investing in renewables.
3. Governments have a huge role in sustainability
Government subsidies have long existed for oil, gas, and coal production and usage.
With a shift in government rules and regulations, we can smooth over the process of balancing out our sources of energy.
Programs like carbon taxes and carbon credits significantly help influence companies to reduce CO2 emissions.
These programs make a difference and companies are taking action.
4. Companies are making big investments in sustainability
Companies are recognizing and taking advantage of investment opportunities in sustainability.
Adobe Systems invested $1.4 million to improve efficiencies in its California headquarters building.
The investment paid itself off in 14 months by reducing energy consumption by 35% and cutting natural gas usage by 41%.
This is just one of the many examples in Climate Capitalism that show how big business is investing in sustainability.
Have you read Climate Capitalism? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!