“There are many reasons why firms are turning to carbon and energy software providers. It could be pressure from stakeholders to take a more sustainable approach to business, or an obligation to comply with environmental regulations, or simply a cost cutting exercise implemented from the board. But there is a considerable gap between identifying a need for suitable software solutions and meeting that need.

“At Verdantix, our research has found that firms are stumbling over common issues when selecting software suppliers. It doesn’t matter which industry we researched, executives always identified the same hurdles: budget constraints, immature carbon strategies, concerns over energy management and ineffective crossfunctional communications. The problems don’t stop here, either.
Having interviewed 44 key suppliers of carbon and energy software, only 19% said they had contact with CIOs or IT directors.
“….. Sustainability cannot afford to sit at the bottom of executives’ priority lists -- it’s an issue that isn’t going to go away and what’s more, is one that can bring widespread benefits if approached strategically.
“As part of the research for the Verdantix report, ‘ Green Quadrant Carbon And Energy Management Software 2010’ ….we identified seven best practice recommendations for potential buyers:
• Map out users
• Consider how as well as whom.
• Link software to business plans.
• Shortlist on key functionality.
• Past clients count.
• Do a demo.
• Partnerships matter. “Matching the right software provider to the right firm is not an
easy goal, but following these recommendations will certainly help buyers save time and money as they seek the appropriate application for their firm.

More: http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2011/01/19/7-tips-make-most-enterprise-carbon-and-energy-software

Source: GreenerComputing News, 19th January 2011.