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As environmental issues such as global warming, pollution and energy efficiency get more attention at companies big and small, IBM Corp. sees a business opportunity. The Armonk-based technology services giant said it has established a consulting service to help corporate customers analyze their energy usage and emissions of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas believed by many scientists to be largely responsible for global warming.
The new business unit, called Strategic Carbon Management, seeks to make recommendations that can help clients reduce their CO2 emissions and related costs by up to 50 percent, including emission reductions of 15 percent to 20 percent for travel and up to 90 percent for computer data centers, IBM said.
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“Companies are being driven to reduce their environmental impact and improve their energy efficiency – their customers and partners demand it, their financial performance depends on it, and governments increasingly require it,” said Eric Riddleberger, IBM’s business strategy consulting global leader.
IBM said it could help businesses study the environmental footprint of their entire operation or various parts of it, including business travel, transportation systems, computer systems, factories, offices, stores or research and development sites.
“Piecemeal approaches yield piecemeal results, but setting a comprehensive strategy for emissions and energy management can provide real improvements and business value,” Riddleberger added.
One IBM customer is Morgan Sindall, a British construction group. Morgan Sindall has hired IBM to help develop a plan to tackle rising energy costs and comply with new British CO2 reduction legislation.
An IBM survey of more than 250 corporate executives showed that 68 percent of them already focus on corporate social responsibility activities to create new revenue streams. Fifty-four percent believed that such a focus gives them a competitive advantage and 85 percent said it reduces costs.
Acadia Realty reports loss of 12 cents per share in 4Q
Acadia Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust based in White Plains, reported a loss from continuing operations of 12 cents a share during the fourth quarter, compared to earnings of 9 cents a share a year earlier. The company said it had $117 million available through cash and credit agreements at the end of last year. Acadia, which focuses on buying and redeveloping neighborhood and community shopping centers in urban and suburban markets, said occupancy at its properties was 93.5 percent at the end of 2008. In January, Acadia announced plans to buy Cortlandt Towne Center, a 640,000-square-foot regional shopping center, for $78 million. “Given the significant turmoil in the capital markets and the unprecedented disruption of the economy and its effect on consumer spending, in 2008 we focused on maintaining the stability of our portfolio and strength of our balance sheet” Chief Executive Officer Kenneth F. Bernstein said in a written statement.
White Plains Realtor named president-elect of group
Henry W. Fries of White Plains recently was named president-elect of the New York State Association of Realtors. He will serve a one-year term. Fries, a Realtor for more than 25 years, is the broker-owner of Henry W. Fries Real Estate in White Plains. He is a past president of the Westchester County Board of Realtors. In 1991, Fries was recognized as Westchester group’s Realtor of the Year.
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