Is there money to be made from Going Green?

Lots of questions this week! Important issues though too so stick with them.

Is government support likely to dwindle for non-profit environmental sectors despite climate change and achieving environmental balance still being formidable problems? How will not-for private-profit organisations fund their important work in the new realties of the tighten-your-belt economy? This month some Centre for Enterprise team members explore these questions by supporting the development of business processes in not-for-profit and other third sector organisations as part of an ESRC project.

Why? Because the work of large environmental organisations like Groundwork UK impacts on communities across the UK and in parts of the USA. They develop innovative products and services at a local community level to reduce fuel poverty, address energy efficiency and contribute to actions on climate change. Could these innovations be transferred and marketed in other contexts? How can new markets be identified and these brands be positioned to make money to support core Groundwork services? As a first step, Groundwork and CFE are taking a close look at activities in energy efficiency and we’ll keep you up-to-date with how the project goes...

But what do you think? Do you have any views on whether or how this should happen? Any ideas on supporting crossover from third sector specialisations to mainstream markets? Have your say: comment on these issues on below.

Have we any good examples of companies who have gone green here in the Northwest of England or further afield? Examples for next month’s green blog should be sent to l.martin@mmu.ac.uk.