(Voice over) : Today we live in a world with limited resources. The challenge for all modern companies is to reduce pollution, caused by massive transport or production processes, and find better ways to protect our natural resources such as water and minerals. Companies are finding ways to recycle materials, use less toxic products, and find local sources of materials. Many companies have innovative ideas to create buildings that need less energy, for example using solar power. Others have introduced tele-working programs that allow employees to work from home, and reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

IKEA uses more than 700,000 solar panels to produce electricity in their stores. Panasonic is concentrating on making environmentally-friendly products to sell to their customers. IBM have “smart buildings” that require less electricity and water. And Adobe has created green areas around their offices using only native plants to encourage the natural habitat.

• In what ways can a company become an ‘eco-company’? What about YOUR company?
• What products are used? Where do they come from? Can the company find local sources?
• How much electricity is used, and for what? Think about lighting, heating and cooling costs.
• How much paper is used? Are there alternatives? Is paper recycled? Do you use plastic for packaging?

What are you waiting for?!