Conferencing and collaboration technologies – audio, web and video – save time and money, and help organizations reduce their carbon footprints. We all know that. However during the campaign prior to yesterday's national election in Canada, it has become an issue.
"We in Richmond should be working with YVR to develop a sustainability strategy, leading to an 85% reduction in overall emissions by 2040. All aviation fuel should carry both a regular fuel tax and the carbon tax, with higher taxes paid for high altitude and night flights – because their nitrous oxide emissions have greater negative impacts. Our government should be installing video-conferencing facilities in every community larger then 1,000 people by 2015, where meetings and conferences will be free of GST. As an elected MP or city councillor, I will commit to reduce travel costs (economical and environmental) by encouraging constituents to meet by video-link when unable to meet me in person." So said Michael Wolfe, the Green Party MP candidate in Richmond, BC during a candidates' forum on CKNW radio last week.
Not only is this candidate a proponent for the green aspects of Audio Conferencing versus air travel, but he also advocated national tax incentives to encourage businesses to increase their use of videoconferencing. Although his party did not prevail in the election, Mr. Wolfe's comments – with which, by the way, the other candidates in the forum agreed – there is no doubt that this type of thinking and action will prevail in the not too distant future.
Early adopters can rightfully take pride in their organizations' commitment not only to the real dollar savings in increased use of conferencing technology versus travel, but also to their significant contributions to a greener corporate world.
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