Carbon to be the biggest global commodity market by 2012

One of the first companies certified as 'greenhouse friendly' has announced that adapting to the emerging carbon-constrained economy will become vital to business success in the face of increasing regulation and consumer pressure.

Carbon Planet helps businesses and individuals manage their contribution to global warming and was the first carbon management company with certified greenhouse friendly products and services. Company founder and executive director Dave Sag said carbon will be the single biggest commodity market in the world by 2012.

“The carbon market is already in excess of US$30 billion annually and is experiencing unprecedented exponential growth, doubling every eight months. The market size by 2010 is expected to be well in excess of US$100 billion and will continue to grow,” he said.

The wholesale movement of carbon is now an accepted part of the corporate balance sheet and the global panic over climate change is seeing new regulations, products and services developed to meet the demand for low-emission goods and services.

“The carbon constrained economy is upon us and businesses that don't start adapting now will face increasing pressure on their operations from clients, staff and suppliers, as well as through domestic and international legislation. Remaining ignorant of your place in this new economic order is simply not an option,” Sag said.

He said that consumers are already making purchasing decisions based on climate change initiatives. Businesses that embrace carbon management now could be the ones that attract and retain the best employees in the future.

The company will be exhibiting at the inaugural Australian Carbon Trading Expo — a three-day trade show focused on the issues of greenshouse gas emissions, global warming and the impact on business.

Visitors to the expo will have the opportunity to find out more about standards-compliant emissions auditing and carbon credit trading services, as well as the creation and commercialisation of carbon credits.

Carbon Planet's carbon commerce director, George Krichauff, said the company is excited to be a major sponsor of the exhibition.

"This event will generate much-needed awareness in the new carbon trading economy and highlight the role of market-based emission reduction solutions in resolving the issues surrounding climate change in Australia,” he said.