What’s the biggest benefit for a company to adopt sustainable or environmentally friendly business practices? Mostly it’s all about making money.

European companies that have adopted long-term sustainable programs are posting stronger bottom lines. According to a survey by market researchers Atos Origin, companies that adopt green strategies earn 2% higher profit margins than their competitors. Click here for the survey report.

Most companies told Atos that they intend to stay with their environmental friendly themes despite today’s tough economic climate. Reason: 70% said they expect better balance sheets thanks to sustainable business practices.

For example, 70% of the executives interviewed by Atos said they were particularly interested green IT strategies to reduce utility bills.  The Atos survey also found that of companies surveyed:

• 46% plan to adopt environmental projects that will cut operating expenses
• 25% are now proactive in adopting environmental strategies, and
• 5% have cross-functional teams to investigate sustainability opportunities.

Meanwhile, more encouraging news for those marketing green products and services.

Troubled economic times do encourage many companies to start thinking green, according to those attending a recent Green IT Forum conference sponsored by IDC in New York City.  Cutting costs, primarily by improving energy efficiency, was the prime reason why 68% of attendees were at the green IT conference.

Yet there are challenges head for marketers as 78% of attendees admitted that their organizations have no budget yet for adopting green IT technologies or sustainable business practices.

Click here for this report.

Tags: bottom line, environmentally friendly, Green IT, sustainability