Why should companies go green?

Why should a company go green?  Well, according to private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), it’s simply good for business.

KKR, led by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, argues that companies that improve their environmental performance can reduce costs through “greater efficiency, more productive workplaces, stronger relationships with suppliers and customers,” and by launching “new products and services” to  build competitive advantages.

“The business case for environmental management has never been stronger,” announced Henry Kravis. 

And it seems that they might be doing a fair job of it, according to the Investment Dealers’ Digest of March 8,  2009, “Kohlberg Kravis Roberts should be lauded for saving $16.4 million through environmental initiatives at three portfolio companies...It's an achievement notable by any measure for keeping 25,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere.”

Perhaps if they’re right, and being good to the environment is good for business, then other companies will soon follow suit.