SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENTS

摘要

High natural gas prices, hikes in the cost of petroleum-based fuels and fluctuating electricity charges continue to challenge manufacturers who want to build certainty into their cost bases. Passing the cost on to the end consumer is not an option for businesses operating in competitive global markets. In the US in recent years, for example, the cost of natural gas has been as much as four times greater than in competing countries. Meanwhile, the issue of energy efficiency is starting to gain currency in the boardroom for a different reason. As a result of the global warming and industrial emissions debates, it is becoming an important risk-management and reputation issue.