In an era where sustainability is essential, understanding how advanced technologies can drive economic growth while healing our planet is crucial for businesses. So many options are available for organizations that embrace sustainability, from reducing carbon footprints to minimizing waste and beyond. According to a 2023 study by Accenture, 37% of the world’s largest companies have public net zero targets – but only 18% of companies are cutting emissions fast enough to reach the goal.
A Historical Perspective on Sustainability
Sustainability is not new; it is rooted in our ancient civilizations. Ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and Mesopotamians had systems to manage water, soil fertility, and forest conservation to ensure stable food and other resources. Eventually, the National Park Service was established in 1916 under Theodore Roosevelt, showing the continued concern in the U.S. to preserve natural resources.
“Sustainable development” gained formal recognition in the modern global economy in 1987 through the Brundtland Commission Report, “Our Common Future,” to the United Nations. This publication established the critical link between economic stability and environmental sustainability, challenging traditional views and sparking a global conversation on the importance of sustainable development. Sustainability became integral to global policy frameworks with initiatives like the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (2000) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, setting specific targets for climate change, clean water, and clean energy.
Investments in Sustainability
Mimicking the growing public interest and government frameworks, global investment in the low-carbon energy transition has jumped significantly. In the 1980s and 1990s, investments remained at around $600 billion, primarily led by the U.S. and Europe. As of 2023, that figure has risen to over $1.7 trillion, driven primarily by electrified transport and renewable energy investments. However, it will be necessary to nearly triple investments to hit Paris-aligned net-zero goals.
This growth reflects a shared understanding that sustainable practices are beneficial for the environment and essential for long-term economic strength, as seen in the increasing focus on technologies that reduce carbon footprints and generate economic value, like renewable energy, EVs, and energy efficiency. In addition, McKinsey found that financially successful companies prioritizing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) policies in their growth strategies outperform their peers.
Investments in sustainable sectors also create new job opportunities, with industries like solar, wind, and green manufacturing particularly seeing an impact. Sustainable practices also help reduce resource dependency and lead to a circular economy where products and materials are reused and recycled instead of discarded. This helps to increase innovation and buffer economies against resource scarcity and price volatility.
Industry Leaders Driving Sustainable Change
Contributing to the growth of the sustainable economy is at the forefront of our minds at A10 Associates because we serve so many clients within sustainable sectors. Our team brought that passion for sustainability to the event stage this year at eMerge Americas 2024 in Miami, Florida. Moderated by Jessica Tocco, Chief Executive Officer of A10 Associates, we hosted a panel entitled “Advanced Technologies: Powering the Economy while Healing our Earth,” highlighting the evolution of sustainable technologies and some of the significant investments our clients have made that fueling this transformation.
This panel featured influential leaders from various sectors who shared how beneficial it is for innovative technology companies to shape a more sustainable future and increase profitability.
- Blink Charging, an electric vehicle charging company, discussed its impressive performance, projecting $140 million in revenue while establishing a new manufacturing facility in Bowie, Maryland. The company emphasized the importance of responding to consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and highlighted how Blink Charging is set to meet the market’s growing needs with affordable and efficient Level 2 chargers.
- Quantum Computing, Inc., shared insights into the commercialization of quantum computing technology and introduced the innovative nanophotonic quantum optics machine. This machine uses photons instead of electrons, making it more sustainable and versatile. This technology represents a significant leap in computational capabilities while reducing environmental impact.
- CleanLight highlighted the company’s commitment to disrupting the diesel generator industry with mobile solar lighting towers. By investing over $154 million in U.S. manufacturing, CleanLight aims to create 500 jobs while providing cleaner, quieter alternatives to traditional power sources. CEO Jordan Butler’s vision aligns with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rural areas that are often overlooked.
- Carbon Rivers addressed the urgent need for recycling in the circular economy. The company transforms composite materials, including wind turbine blades, into reusable resources. These efforts reduce landfill waste, create jobs, and promote responsible manufacturing practices.
Some of our other clients making strides in sustainability include:
- An investment firm that supports power and grid resiliency projects to create economic growth within the energy transition and critical infrastructure sectors. A shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy sources and aging North American infrastructure will demand large amounts of capital, investment, technology, and services.
- A solar battery manufacturing company that supports green energy transition by providing a solution for homeowners and businesses to end grid resilience and allows owners to harness off-peak hours for power generation. Investments in renewable energy solutions and storage continue to increase, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2026, global renewable electricity capacity will rise by 60% to over 4800 GW, with renewables making up almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity.
The Role of Government Support
The United States has implemented government initiatives supporting sustainability, primarily the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. The IRA allocated over $390 billion for climate solutions via tax credits and grants, highlighting the critical role of federal support in fostering sustainable technologies. For instance, Blink Charging benefited from a multimillion-dollar contract with the U.S. Postal Service, while Quantum Computing, Inc. has secured several grants to advance its innovative projects.
Champions of Sustainability
As sustainability continues to be increasingly linked to economic success, technology will continue to have the potential to drive positive change. At A10 Associates, we encourage business leaders to embrace innovation and collaboration in pursuing sustainable solutions.
Whether you are involved in technology, policy, or business, the time to act is now. Using advanced technologies and sustainable practices, we can create a future that supports economic growth and protects our planet for future generations. If you have questions about how your business can adapt to this new landscape, reach out to A10 Associates—we’re here to help you navigate the path to sustainability.
