General Electric

In May 2005, GE launched ecomagination – a business initiative designed to imagine and build innovative technologies that help customers address their environmental and financial needs. Currently in its fourth full year, ecomagination has grown beyond GE’s expectations, with an increase in R&D investment by 25% and a robust portfolio of more than 80 energy-efficient and environmentally advantageous products and services.  GE’s ecomagination commitments are an excellent example of how environmental challenges are potential business opportunities:

1. Increase revenues from ecomagination products: GE reported $17 billion in revenues from ecomagination products and services.
2. Double investment in clean R&D: GE’s R&D investment in cleaner technology increased from $750 million in 2005 to $1.4 billion in 2008.
3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and improve the energy efficiency of GE’s operations: GE managed a 13% reduction in GHG emissions from 2004 levels.
4. Reduce water use and improve water reuse: GE committed in 2008 to a 20% reduction of its freshwater consumption by 2012.
5. Keep the public informed: GE continues to provide the public with information concerning its progress on these commitments via its ecomagination Website, www.ecomagination.com.

For additional information on GE’s ecomagination initiative, download its latest report at www.ecomagination.com/report.