How Renewable Energy Benefits Businesses and the Environment

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Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student

Theses

Environmental Studies Program

Fall 2016

How Renewable Energy Bene7ts Businesses and the Environment How Renewable Energy Bene7ts Businesses and the Environment

Carson Schwalbach

University of Nebraska Lincoln

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How Renewable Energy Benefits Businesses and the Environment

An Undergraduate Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of

The Environmental Studies Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science

Major: Environmental Studies

Emphasis Area: Natural Resources

Minors: Energy Science and Business

Thesis Advisor Name: F. John Hay

Thesis Reader Name: Lisa Pennisi

Lincoln, Nebraska

Date: Jan. 2016 – Dec. 2016

How Renewable Energy Benefits Businesses and the Environment

Carson Schwalbach, B.S.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2016

Thesis Advisor: F. John Hay

Abstract

This project is being conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska, through a literature

review and survey review. World energy consumption is continuing to rise, and

global power generation is responsible for more pollution than any other single

activity. Virtually all regions of the world have renewable energy sources, and

businesses need to become leaders in the renewable energy movement, in order to

preserve our environment for generations to come. The importance of our

environment should not be overlooked, and the potential benefits of thinking

sustainably are quantifiable. Conducting a literature review will help determine if

there has been an increase in companies implementing sustainable business

practices, as well as establish their opportunities for growth and profit. A small

survey of 20 questions, completed by 22 local businesses across Lincoln, will help

determine the company’s knowledge and interest levels of implementing a

renewable energy project, and what they feel are the main advantages and

disadvantages of doing so. Renewable energy is seen as the most important

instrument to mitigate climate change and reduce the negative effects of energy

production (Richter, 2012). Consumers are rewarding businesses that address

environmental concern and are punishing those that don’t (Bang et. al., 2000).

Companies that think with an environmental lens are generally more innovative and

profitable than its competitors (Etsy and Winston, 11, 2006). 100% of the

businesses surveyed believe that renewable energy is reliable and beneficial for the

environment. Only 14% of the respondents were very interested in implementing a

project, while 82% agree that they feel there are advantages to using renewables

over traditional methods. 95% of the participants feel that there is a marketing

advantage with renewables, yet 50% do not think that it could draw new customers

to their business. Solar energy is the most popular form of renewable energy

amongst the respondents.

Introduction

There are many advantages to using renewable energy sources for

businesses, such as marketing opportunities, reduction of emissions, lower energy

costs, and many others. The impact these sources can have on the environment

should not be overlooked. A key concept to think about when discussing this topic is

how not all renewable sources are economically feasible at the current time, and

need major development to become widely used by companies around the world.

Although there has been great progress in some renewable sources, more progress

must be made to increase the possibility of these sources producing the energy that

is required around the globe.

This topic is very important to me for several reasons, because the future

health of our environment depends on us being able to turn away from the use of

fossil fuels by adopting new methods of energy. Future generations depend on us

acting on this problem now, to ensure the longevity of a clean atmosphere and

diverse ecosystems. Although some technology needs research and development, I

believe more renewable energy projects need to be implemented around the world.

By increasing the amount of renewable projects, more money will be invested into

this field, increasing the amount of research and progress that can be made.

Businesses need to take the lead in becoming more sustainable, by increasing their

renewable energy use. Corporations need to become leaders in making this change,

because the amount of energy they use is undeniably more than energy used

personally. Industry and electric power accounts for 61% of the total energy used in

the US, while personal use accounts for 12% (EIA). When big businesses start to

make a change, others will follow, which will set the stage for future years of

decreasing our dependency on fossil fuels. There are multiple environmental

benefits that result from converting to renewable sources, but businesses have to

consider the economic implications of doing so. The environmental effects fossil

fuels have on the world are becoming drastically worse as time moves forward, and

changes need to be made now before these effects become irreversible. Businesses’

becoming environmentally aware is extremely important to me, because they have

the capability to cause significant change amongst the population. The use of fossil

fuels over the past century has caused a dramatic increase in greenhouse gases

emitted into the atmosphere, and corporations are a huge contributor to the

problem. These businesses have the ability to lower their emissions by

implementing renewable sources, and can set an example for other businesses. To

me, the advantages in becoming a sustainable business outweigh the negative

economic possibilities, such as initial costs and maintenance factors. Businesses

need to realize that they have the power to make a dire change in how the world

uses energy. The environmental benefits from using renewable sources instead of

fossil fuels are endless, and the importance of this topic cannot be overlooked.

The sun provides as much energy every hour, as humans use every year

(Morton, 2006). This fact is incredible, and shows that we have all the clean energy

we need, but we must develop technology to capture and store it. Morton continues

by saying that solar markets in some countries, including Japan and Germany, have

been growing by 31% each year over the past decade (Morton, 2006). Other nations

need to follow this progress in renewable energy, and realize the benefits it can

have. The amount of unused renewable energy around the world needs to be taken

advantage of. Virtually all regions of the world have renewable sources (Bull, 2001).

With sunlight, wind, geothermal, and hydrological power capabilities in nearly all

corners of the world, the importance of harnessing this power can change the

planet. The possibilities of renewable energy are endless, while remaining clean and

beneficial to the environment. Human populations will use mass quantities of

energy every year regardless, and where this energy comes from influences the

world of tomorrow. There has been major progress in the use of renewable energy,

with hydroelectric, wind and solar as the leading renewable sources. We need to

deviate from fossil fuels in order to become a more sustainable world. Solar energy

has the potential to supply 69% of total electricity needs by 2050, and by 2100, will

have the potential to supply 90% of our energy needs (Fthenakis, et. al., 2009).

Knowing that renewable sources have the potential to completely replace fossil

fuels should be enough for people to pursue more research and funding for the

development of these technologies.

The reason for the continued use of fossil fuels is not because we have no

other option for energy, but rather the fact it is abundant and cheap to use at the

current time. Renewable energy is at a disadvantage to other forms of energy,

because of high initial costs, lack of skills and technology, financing risks and

uncertainties, as well as poor market acceptance (Beck and Martinot, 2004). I agree

that renewable energy is at a disadvantage, but that doesn’t mean that it cannot

benefit businesses. Although not all renewable energy systems are at the same level

of development, there are some technologies ready for action right now that can

help businesses become more sustainable today. Not all renewable energy sources

are sitting on the shelf ready to be plugged into the electricity system. Some, such as

wind are almost competitive in mass markets, while others remain in niche markets

with much more development to be made (Haas, et. al., 2004). We need to take

advantage of the systems we can use now, while remaining focused on evolving

other technologies to where they need to be. The renewable energy technology we

have today can benefit businesses now, but considerations have to be taken into

account. It is difficult to estimate the cost of damage avoided or the value of public

goods presented, in terms of air quality or climate change, by using renewable

energy sources. Increasing cost in energy for benefits that are unseen, is hard for

corporations to see as favorable for their business (Menanteau, 2003). Companies

need to realize these unseen benefits, and become leaders in the clean energy

movement. They need to look into the future and see the benefits these technologies

can have not only on the environment, but on their business as well. Sustainable

strategies are smart business strategies. Addressing environmental and

sustainability issues gives companies a sustainable competitive advantage and the

benefits are quantifiable (Willard, 2012). This article identifies that sustainable

strategies do benefit the business and the results can be measured, although some

estimates may need to be made. Companies can gain a competitive advantage

through renewable energy and other environmental technology. New technology

can create and expand market demands. Environmental technology incorporates

environmental considerations into many aspects of business operations, and

thereby affects the competitive landscape in most sectors of the economy

(Shrivastava, 1995). Renewable energy has the potential to benefit companies

today, and further those benefits in the future. Renewable sources being used by

businesses will help increase the movement towards clean energy, and help develop

the research and funding needed to allow these technologies to become a major

supply for the worlds energy.

This topic relates to the health of the environment, which is connected to

almost everything on the planet. The importance of these sources becoming widely

used should not be ignored. The amount of energy human’s use is available through

renewable sources, but we need to develop the systems in order to remain

economically feasible in the eyes of businesses and corporations. This problem

affects everyone around the world, and will for generations to come. Decreasing our

dependency on fossil fuels needs to happen sooner than later if we want a clean

environment for our children to live in. Humans and the use of fossil fuels threaten

every ecosystem in the world, and we have the responsibility to protect the

biodiversity of earth. Converting to clean, renewable energy can solve many of our

world’s problems, by creating jobs, and conserving our planets health. The most

important part of this project to me is not necessarily the benefits businesses can

have from implementing renewable energy projects, but the example they can set

for others to create a world of clean energy for generations to come. Protecting the

environment is something that needs to be more highly focused on today, in order

to prevent dramatic changes tomorrow. I am very interested in the preservation of

the environment, without harming the progress of human civilization, and I feel that

renewable energy does just that. Showing how renewable energy is viewed by

businesses and determining their level of interest is the main objective of this

project.

Materials and Methods

Using clean energy to create products is a clean and healthy way of getting

things done, which will hopefully increase exponentially in the near future. Although

it may not be the most cost effective method of producing goods currently, it allows

for the company to stand out from its competitors and reach out to further markets.

Collecting data from businesses is very important in understanding how future

businesses value renewable projects, and how much these projects can affect the

environment. Creating a survey to hand out to businesses can give reliable feedback

to see companies interests in renewable projects, and what they think the benefits

could be. Realizing the pros and cons of renewable projects is something that every

business must consider before moving forward with a project.

I conducted a literature review to determine the increase in sustainable

strategies used by businesses, as well as their opportunities for growth and profit.

Analyzing the information helped me determine if companies are realizing the

potential benefits of implementing renewable energy projects, and the advantages it

can give them over their competitors. Using scholarly resources will help establish if

consumers have a role in making businesses think with the environment in mind, as

well as highlighting benefits it can have on the environment. The literature review

shows why it is important for corporations to become leaders in the sustainable

energy movement.

Conducting a small survey for multiple businesses across Lincoln is another

method being used that will help determine company’s interest in renewable

projects, and get feedback on what they think of renewable projects for businesses.

The survey will consist of 20 questions related to how businesses feel about

renewable energy. The survey was sent to 75 small businesses across Lincoln,

Nebraska; to get a feel for what knowledge these companies have on renewable

energy. The contacts came from the entrepreneurial career services at the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln and were contacted through emails and LinkedIn

profiles. An online survey tool was used and to create an easy accessible way for the

businesses to respond. 22 businesses responded to the survey. The companies

surveyed are of all shapes and sizes. Surveying businesses who have considered a

project, and surveying those who haven’t will allow for us to determine the potential

benefits of a project, and help us get an understanding of interest levels on starting a

project. Using literature review to show why businesses around the world are

starting to think environmentally, and conducting surveys of companies locally to

see their interest and thoughts of renewable energy are equally important.

Increasing businesses knowledge and interest in renewable projects is something

that will shape the future for clean energy. Knowing the benefits of these projects,

and gaining interest for future projects is needed to ensure a change in how industry

uses energy.

Results

After researching numerous articles, I have found that there has been a major

growth in businesses using sustainable strategies. This has resulted in more and

more companies becoming “green” as time moves forward, and is setting the pace

for other companies to follow. Historically, corporate interest in the environmental

arena tends to rise and then fall, but this time seems different. Instead of focusing

mainly on environmental costs and risks, or corporate responsibility, more and

more companies have come to see opportunities for growth and profit through a

focus on environmental sustainability (Etsy and Winston, xi, 2006). Businesses are

realizing the potential benefits from implementing sustainable practices and the

advantages it gives them over their competitors. Media is playing a vital role in the

growth of companies becoming green, by increasing employees and customers

concern. Stakeholders around the world are hearing the green message and are

becoming confident that the green economy will have a lasting effect. Over the last

three decades there has been a growing concern amongst consumers about whether

the earth’s resources will continue to sustain the standard of living that is enjoyed

by most Americans (Bang, et. al., 2000). Energy consumption is continuing to rise,

and worldwide power generation is responsible for more pollution than any other

single activity. Americans are beginning to recognize the link between energy use

and environmental degradation. This has lead to a growing segment of consumers

either rewarding or intending to reward organizations that address environmental

concerns in their business and marketing practices, and punishing firms that ignore

environmental imperatives (Bang, et. al., 2000). Corporate strategies are

increasingly becoming influenced by consumer concerns for the environment, and

businesses are now trying to become more environmentally aware, while remaining

profitable. Renewable energy appears to be one of the most efficient and effective

solutions (Dincer, 2000). Corporations using renewable energy have realized that

they get “the best of both worlds,” because they see an economic benefit of

implementing these projects by lowering their energy costs, and the benefits of

“green” marketing. The environmental impacts are also a bonus for everyone. Solar

energy emits roughly 98 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, while coal, the

most widely used energy generation practice, emits 955 grams, or about ten times

than that of solar (Akella, 2009). Geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, and energy crops

generate even less than solar. Renewable energies are seen as the most important

instrument to mitigate climate change and reduce negative effects of energy

production (Richter, 2012). The business world and the natural world are

inevitably linked, and smart businesses are beginning to realize this. Companies that

bring an environmental lens to their business strategy are generally more

innovative and profitable than their competitors (Etsy and Winston, 11, 2006).

The first question in the survey asked, “What industry does your company do

business in?” to get an understanding of what these businesses do. The businesses

surveyed do practices in tools, textiles, financing, agriculture, marketing, and many

more, creating a diverse pool of respondents. Having different backgrounds in

business was important to ensure that the respondents would have diverse interest

levels in renewable energy. The second question referred to the size of the

businesses, and of the 22 companies surveyed 21 claimed to be small, while one

claimed to be a medium sized business. Surveying local businesses gave me similar

results of them mostly being smaller companies, which was expected.

Question #3, “Do you believe using renewable

energy is reliable?”

Twenty-one of the respondents agreed that

renewable energy is reliable, while one said,

“Somewhat, as it depends on the energy needs of

the company.” Zero of the respondents claimed

that renewable energy is not reliable.

Question #4, “Do you believe using renewable

energy lowers carbon emissions and is beneficial

for the environment?”

Twenty of the respondents believe that using

renewable energy is beneficial for the

environment, and lowers carbon emissions. Two

of the respondents stated, “Generally yes,

depending on which kind of renewable energy.”

Zero of the businesses think that it is not

beneficial for the environment.

Question #5, “On a scale of 1-5, how important

do you think businesses using renewable energy

is?”

Zero of the businesses gave it a rating of “one” or

“two”. Five of the respondents believe that it is

somewhat important, seven gave it a rating of

“four”, and ten believe that it is very important.

Question #6, “On a scale of 1-5, how interested

are you in the possibility of implementing a

renewable energy project for your business?”

Five of the respondents are not interested, four

gave it a rating of “two”, four are somewhat

interested, six are interested, and three are very

interested.

Question #7, “Do you feel that there is an

advantage for businesses that use renewable

energy over traditional methods?”

Eighteen of the respondents believe there is an

advantage, while two do not. One believes there is

an advantage if there are tax incentives, while

another believes that it depends on if the targeted

customers understand and appreciate that the

business is using renewable energy.

Question #8, “What do feel is the biggest

advantage of a business using renewable

energy?”

Eight of the respondents feel that cost saving is

the biggest advantage, while three believe it is

reduction of emissions. Nine believe green

marketing, one feels cost stability and energy

supply, and one believes that a sustainable

business practice is the biggest advantage.

Question #9, “What do you think is the biggest

disadvantage of using renewable energy over

traditional methods.

Fifteen believe initial costs is the main

disadvantage, while three feel return on

investment, one thinks the technology becoming

obsolete to quickly, two agree on reliability, and

one believes availability and ease.

Question #10, “Do you think using renewable

energy and having sustainable business strategies

has a marketing advantage?”

Twenty believe that it does have a marketing

advantage, while one does not. One respondent

said, “It depends on the industry and customer

culture, but there seems to be a shift in many

industries that is making this advantage greater.”

Question #11, “Do you feel that using renewable

energy could draw new customers to your

business?”

Nine answered yes, while eleven did not think it

could draw new customers to their business. One

stated, “Only if it is a bigger thing that wraps a

whole company culture”, while another said, “We

don’t have “customers” in our government

agency.”

Question #12, “Do you feel that your customers

would appreciate your business more if you used

renewable energy over traditional methods?”

Eleven think yes, while ten believe that it would

not make their customers appreciate them more.

One respondent said, “We don’t have “customers”

in our government agency.

Question #13, “On a scale of 1-5, how

important do you think your business using

renewable energy is to your customers?”

Eight respondents feel it is not important, three

gave it a “2” rating, and eight believe it is

somewhat important. One gave it a “4” rating,

and two businesses feel that it is very important

to their customers.

Question #14, “Do you believe renewable

energy usage will increase drastically over the

next 10 years?”

Twenty-one of the respondents agree that

renewables will drastically increase in the near

future, while one does not.

Question #15, “What do you feel is the main

reason more companies are not using renewable

energy to meet some of their demands today?”

Sixteen feel that initial costs is the main factor,

while one thinks time. One business thinks

maintenance is the main factor, and four believe

it is the availability and ease of implementing a

project.

Question #16, “If set-up costs/maintenance were

not a factor, would you consider using renewable

energy for all of your energy needs?”

Twenty of the respondents said yes, while only

one said no. One stated, “Probably not “all” right

away, but yes to some immediately and then

increasing over the years.”

Question #17, “What would be the maximum

length of time for a return on investment for you

to consider using renewable energy for your

energy needs?”

One feels one month, two agree on two years,

four said three years, and one feels three to five

years. Eight agree on five years, two on seven

years, two feel under ten years, and two believe

ten years would be the maximum time for a

return on investment.

Question #18, “On a scale of 1-5, how much

would a government incentive increase your

interest in implementing a renewable energy

project?”

One said “not at all” while zero gave it a rating of

“2.” Eighth said their interest would increase

somewhat, two gave it a rating of “4” and eleven

said it would increase their interest level very

much.

Question #19, “If you were to consider a

renewable energy system for your business,

which is of greater interest to you?”

Fourteen of the respondents claimed that solar

would be their top choice, while two agreed on

geothermal, and three on biofuel. Zero felt that

wind would be there top choice. One respondent

said, “I don’t know,” and one said, “Whatever is

most effective for my location.”

Question #20, “What renewable energy system

would you like to learn more about, to possibly

increase your interest of implementing a project

in the future?”

Fourteen of the respondents agreed that solar is

what they would like to learn more about, while

two agreed on geothermal, and two on biofuels.

One respondent wants to learn more about

hydroelectric, while zero have interest in wind.

One doesn’t know what they would like to learn

more about, one doesn’t want to learn about any

of them, while one wants to learn about all of

them.

Discussion

The findings from my research, had surprising outcomes, as well as expected

results. It was very pleasing to realize that more companies are beginning to think

with the environment in mind, while remaining strong and innovative. I think it is

very important that certain companies are starting to set the pace for others to

follow, by leading the way for sustainable business practices and using renewable

energy to show their customers that they care about preserving the environment.

Companies are undoubtedly realizing that there are quantifiable benefits to using

renewable energy and portraying an environmental friendly aspect to their business

plans. The objective of this paper was to prove that renewable energy has clear

benefits for the health of our planet, as well as explore the views and innovations for

businesses. It was frightening to realize that corporate interest in the environmental

arena tends to rise and fall over the past several decades, but it gives me hope that

this time will be different and have a lasting effect. It is surprising that industries are

deviating from thoughts about the costs and risks associated with making

environmental changes, and are realizing the opportunities for growth with their

consumers in mind. The customers have a key relationship to why businesses are

starting to become more environmental friendly, which gives hope that future

generations will continue and strengthen this relationship. It was expected to

identify the vital role that media plays with why corporations are starting to behave

in a sustainable manner, because of all the emotions that climate change have

stirred. It is amazing to know that everyday more people are becoming concerned

for future generations and the environment we are leaving behind, and are

dedicating themselves to making better choices in order to preserve the health of

the planet by doing whatever they can. Hopefully this will give the “green” economy

a lasting effect, and allow more people and corporations to hear the “green”

message. It is known that energy consumption will continue to rise as our

population increases, with more developed communities, which is a main reason as

to why we need to act now and make the transformation to renewable energy

sources. It was predictable that renewable energy is seen as one of the most

important tools to mitigate climate change, but was surprising to find that

businesses are just now realizing the potential profits and advancement these

sources can give them. My findings support that the business world and the natural

world are inevitably linked, and that the benefits businesses and the environment

can gain from the use of renewable energy is tangible and measurable.

The companies in the survey sample all do practices in different areas of

business, which gave me a diverse assortment of what they know and what they

would like to know about renewable energy projects and the benefits it can have on

their costs, marketing, and reduction of emissions. It was expected to find out that

100% of the companies agree that renewable energy is reliable and beneficial for

the environment, but slightly surprising that only 14% have high interest levels of

implementing a project. It was unanticipated that 77% of the respondents thought

that businesses using renewable energy is important, considering the fact that all of

them are still using traditional energy methods to run their facilities. This shows

that they know that changing the way they use energy significant, but there are

barriers that refrain them from doing so. It was very surprising that 82% of the local

companies felt that there is a definite advantage of using renewable energy over the

usual approaches and that 95% of them agreed that there is a marketing advantage

as well. This was surprising, because although they agree that there are advantages

to adjusting towards sustainable business practices, the ease of implementing a

project keeps them moving forward. It was projected that the initial costs of

executing a renewable energy project was going to be the most agreed upon

disadvantage of undertaking the task, but was very surprising to realize that “green”

marketing was the top choice for the advantages these companies sought. It was

imagined that the cost saving on energy bills would be seen as the largest advantage,

coming from an industrial mentality. It was interesting to see that over half of the

surveyed felt that implementing a renewable energy project would not draw new

customers to their business, but more than half felt that their customers would

appreciate their business more for doing so. This was interesting, because it

illustrates that they think their current customers value and environmental attitude,

but don’t consider that it could draw new customers from their competitors. The

next question asked about the views of significance they feel their customers have

on renewable energy used in industry, and it is satisfying to know that 61% of them

believe that their customers consider it important. 95% of the respondents felt that

renewable energy use in businesses will increase drastically over the next ten years,

which gives hope that these companies will adapt to future modifications in the

energy sector and make adjustments in their energy use. It was anticipated that a

government incentive would increase the likelihood of the respondent’s interest to

committing to a renewable energy project, and astonishing that nearly all of them

would use renewable energy to meet all of their energy demands today if set-up

costs and maintenance were not a factor. This proves that the initial costs and lack

of incentives is a major reason why more companies are not pursuing alternative

energy sources. It was extremely surprising that none of the companies considered

wind power as their top choice for what sources they had most interest in,

considering the amount of wind energy capabilities that is present in Nebraska.

Solar was top choice of interest and by a considerable amount, and also the top

answer for the technology they would like to learn more about. This was a probably

the most agreed upon energy solution, because of the availability to ease of applying

solar panels directly to the facilities rooftop. Overall, some of the answers from the

survey were very surprising, while most were expected, and proved that local

companies do perceive renewable energy as an advantage for businesses

profitability and marketing. The data clearly showed that the respondents mutually

agree on most of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a renewable

project, and proves that the initial cost and lack of incentives is what is keeping most

businesses from taking the leap and becoming leaders in the renewable energy

movement.

Conclusion

This project was completed in order to find factual information about the

way companies feel about renewable technology, and the interest levels they have in

implementing a project, as well as prove the importance and benefits it has on the

environment. Understanding the overall knowledge local and worldwide businesses

have is important to comprehending why some companies are becoming leaders in

using renewable energy to power their facilities, and why others are not taking the

steps needed to ensure the growth of these alternative energy sources. The

references used show the potential benefits that renewable energy can have on the

environment, as well as the profitability and competitive advantage it gives to

businesses. Solar energy is the most practiced form of renewable energy in

industries right now, and has 10 times less carbon emissions than the leading

energy source coal (Akella, 2009). The importance renewable energy has in regards

to the preservation of the environment should not be overlooked, as it is seen as the

most important instrument to mitigate climate change and reduce the negative

effects of energy production (Richter, 2012). Companies are beginning to realize the

positive benefits renewable energy can have on its reduction of costs, as well as

marketing advantages, and sustainable business practices are on the rise.

Consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and having growing

concerns about future generations, and is starting to reward companies that have

ecological outlooks, and punishing those that don’t (Bang et. al., 2000). The local

businesses surveyed seem to agree on the advantages and disadvantages

implementing a renewable energy project have, and all know that there will be

drastic increases over the next ten years. The lack of incentives, initial costs, and

availability and ease of implementing a project is what is holding these companies

back from moving forward and becoming leaders in the renewable energy

movement. Renewable energy has been rising over the past several years, but there

needs to be more drastic changes in the corporate industry to set an example for

others to follow. The survey respondents agree that there are marketing and profit

advantages from using renewable energy, but their interest levels are lower than

where some may like them to be.

This project could have been bettered by increasing the amount of

businesses surveyed to increase the diversity of the knowledge and interest levels

they have on renewable energy sources. Future studies should include a wider area

of companies surveyed, to recognize the different views businesses have in different

states, as well as companies of all sizes, to ensure a variety of local small businesses,

and large corporations thoughts on the issue. By creating a more diverse pool of

industries, the thoughts and opinions could be differentiated from my findings, and

generate a more practical outlook on what businesses really feel about renewable

energy used in business and the possible benefits it can have. Overall this project

had some credible information that can give insight to how companies are feeling

today about renewable energy and what the future has in store for renewable

energy industry. The importance of the environment needs to be accepted by all

people, businesses, and governments to ensure the longevity of our communities

and the health of our planet for generations to come.

Acknowledgements

This project could not have been completed with out the help of John Hay,

Lisa Pennisi, Christine Haney, and Dave Gosselin. Their advice and structure made it

possible for this project to be completed accurately and in a timely manner, and is

greatly appreciated. The 22 local businesses surveyed were a huge help in

conducting research on the interest levels and overall knowledge they have on

renewable energy sources and highly valued.

References

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