The general idea that comes when one mentions business and sustainability is far from harmony, but is that really true? Being sustainable has cost and may threaten the business mindset of maximizing profit however now a day’s consumer trend has had a drastic shift towards more environmental friendly products, they buy into the idea of companies that do take on a social responsibility. This behaviour changes the idea of business versus environment and rather makes them work closer and closer together. To create a functioning business companies need to sell services or goods, to accomplish this fulfilling consumers wants and needs is an essential therefore as the consumer trend changes it is necessary for companies to change with them and supply environmentally friendly products as consumers demand more.
Another business opportunity presented in sustainability is green energy, as the world aims for more “green energy’ there will be an immense demand for solar panels, wind turbines and hydro electricity. As outlined by Richard Blackwell in his article “Renewable power to soar by 2035: IEA” there will be an immense increase and demand for green energy, hydroelectricity will need to be developed in undeveloped countries such as India and Brazil, Europe will be using more wind turbines and companies will need to use machinery that are more efficient as too exploit the full potential of this industry. IEA says that if managed correctly “huge gains for energy security, economic growth and the environment”. The world is changing and business has to change with it, as demand for more sustainable energy grows business can exploit a great opportunity and supply for this need.