Acting in a climate-friendly manner while remaining economically successful – for many companies, this sounds like a difficult balancing act. Sustainability is often equated with high investments and long amortisation periods, while economic pressure is increasing. But is this really the case? Or can ecological commitment be combined with economic benefits?
In this article, we show why climate protection and profitability do not have to be a contradiction in terms – on the contrary, those who invest in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable processes today not only secure ecological responsibility but also tangible economic benefits. Discover strategies, funding opportunities, and success stories for climate-friendly businesses with prospects.
Sustainability in the company: cost factor or competitive advantage?
In today’s economic environment, companies are faced with the urgent need to operate more sustainably. However, the question is often raised whether climate friendliness is merely an additional cost factor or whether it can offer a real competitive advantage. In fact, it is becoming increasingly clear that energy-efficient practices not only benefit the environment but can also bring significant economic advantages. Companies that invest in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmentally friendly processes benefit in the long term from cost savings, increased productivity, and a positive brand image. Climate protection is therefore not only an ethical obligation, but also a smart business strategy that strengthens a company’s competitiveness.
Energy efficiency as a bridge between climate protection and economic efficiency
Recently, during a visit to my parents’ house, I found the bill for the Photovoltaic system that my parents had installed on their roof in 1999. The system with 3.9 kWp cost 38,325.05 Deutschmarks at the time (including a subsidy of DM 19,880). Adjusted for inflation, this corresponds to an amount of € 30,893.10 today, which results in a specific price of € 7,921/kWp (without the subsidy it would even have been € 12,030/kWp). Nowadays, a similar system can be purchased for a tenth of the price at that time, with improved efficiency and higher quality modules.
At that time, investments in energy-efficient technologies were still associated with considerable costs and offered only low returns. The technologies were too expensive, the savings too small, and, above all, the alternative solutions were too cheap.
Another example: when the LED lamp came onto the market in 2008, its price was between €40 and €60, depending on the source. A light bulb of comparable brightness cost only around €2. For a light bulb that shines for 1000 hours per year, this would result in a dynamic amortisation period of 2.94 years (calculated according to DIN 17463). But did the bulb last that long back then? It is understandable that it took some time for these lamps to catch on.
Climate protection investments that also pay off financially
Today, this has completely changed. A PV system costs little more than €800 – €1000/kWp (depending on size) and in ideal cases amortises after just 4 years. In combination with a battery storage system, the system can be even larger, and self-consumption can be increased.
Keyword battery storage: A larger storage system that charges when the electricity price is low and then feeds out during peak load can not only reduce the cost of purchasing electricity, it also helps to stabilise the grid. A climate-friendly investment that also pays off financially and brings economic benefits.
And as far as lighting is concerned, in principle, all light sources that are in regular use can be replaced by LED lamps or panels, and it is always economical. Only special lighting can be so expensive in individual cases that the amortisation period is in line with the values calculated above. But today we know that the lamps last a long time.
Far longer than the 5-year service life usually assumed for lighting.
Practical examples: Companies that are sustainable and economically successful
As experts who have been working in the industry for years, we will, of course, also be bringing along a few practical examples that show how projects can be realised sustainably and economically.
The first example describes the use of waste heat in a data centre and the link between cutting-edge technology and agriculture. The client did not want to simply blow the large amount of waste heat generated by the operation of the servers into the air or discharge it into the nearby water. A concept was developed to utilise the cooling water in the neighbouring farm. The result: a large greenhouse can be kept at an operating temperature of 18°C all year round. Energy that had already been used could be recycled, and in this case, even sold at a profit!
The second example concerns a medium-sized company in Germany that produces workpieces for the automotive industry. The throughput of material is very high, and this results in a large amount of packaging waste, which mainly consists of wood. This was disposed of professionally by the local utility company, which naturally resulted in costs. A concept was developed in which the wood produced can be burnt directly on site to provide heat. This measure alone reduces emissions from the heat supply by almost 90%. In addition, a large amount of natural gas is substituted, which no longer has to be purchased at high cost, and the disposal costs for the wood waste are also eliminated. Win-win-win!
Conclusion: Climate-friendly action – the key to long-term competitiveness
For some time now, saving energy economically has been more than just a reaction to rising energy costs – it is a strategic lever for sustainable entrepreneurship. Those who invest in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable processes today not only reduce operating costs but also strengthen their market position and fulfil growing regulatory and social requirements.
Climate-friendly behaviour and economic success are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary, they are increasingly interdependent. Companies that actively address their energy consumption and implement targeted efficiency measures benefit from lower costs, subsidies, image gains, and a real competitive advantage.
The path to greater climate friendliness begins with concrete steps – and now is the right time to take them.
Would you like to know how your company can save energy in an economical and climate-friendly way?
Then get in touch with us now! Our experts will support you in identifying individual savings potential and implementing economically viable measures.
Interested in more sustainability? Please feel free to contact our partner, Grünkern Consulting.