Why tapping the green market makes perfect investment sense

Remember when the financial markets crashed in 2007 and many thought it would herald the beginning of the end for the green revolution. Surely the eco-agenda would slip dramatically down the list of corporate concerns in the wake of the wider crisis facing the global economy?
Fortunately, this couldn’t have been further from the truth.

The latest proof: Siemens is set to build a $47 million landmark sustainability centre in east London. The new centre will be a flagship for east London’s Green Enterprise District. Set to open in time for the 2012 Games, it will showcase new technology from around the world and new ways of living and working in a sustainable city like London.

The economic potential inherent in the ‘green market’ has been recognised as a massive business development opportunity for London. Already the London Stock Exchange is home to over 100 cleantech firms, all of whom recognise the business potential that exists in London’s environmental and renewable energy markets. This is partly why Think London was so pleased to hear about the launch of The Capital Markets Climate Initiative (CMCI) last month.

CMCI’s remit is to link City investors with international financiers and policy makers to unlock private sector investment and help propel London towards becoming a global hub for green business. With the worldwide market for environmental goods and services expected to grow by a massive 45% between 2005 and 2015, London can – and should - be at the centre of this upward global trajectory.

The Mayor of London is calling for London to become the Low Carbon Capital of the World. By 2025, London is aiming to reduce its emissions by 60%. This is three times more than the EU’s targets to reduce emissions by 20% below 1990 levels. The renewable energy sector will be key to this. At the moment the UK generates just 2.5% of its electricity from renewable energy, but in just five years we are aiming to generate 15% from renewables, and at least 20% in the longer term.
For companies operating in the environmental field, this offers fantastic new business potential.

At Think London our London consultants are in the best possible position to help companies take advantage of this commercial opportunity, whether that be for new companies considering setting up business in London or for those of you that are already here, looking at expanding business in London.