Green Energy and Emerging Markets: A Guide to Phone Forwarding for Expansion

For companies seeking to expand globally, the emergent international demand for green energy is an essential point of consideration. With both Asia-Pacific and European markets increasing investment initiatives in green energy development, U.S-based companies may discover that “going green” is a lucrative way of creating and maintaining international capital flows.

The Importance of Green Energy in Global Expansion

Green energy development initiatives within the European Union and major Asia-Pacific countries have rapidly gained the support of the public, cultivating a climate of consumer enthusiasm for companies that “go green.” Unfortunately, the U.S. has a poor international reputation in this department, creating a certain level of hostility towards US-based companies that conduct business and market products abroad without first  acknowledging and participating in localized efforts towards environmental preservation.

The Financial Advantages of Investing in Renewable Energy

Fortunately for businesses considering global expansion, while once converting to green energy was rightly considered an expense, the tax initiatives, international consumer support, and reduced consumption costs involved in making the switch today have changed this previously inconvenient expense into a lucrative investment.

• International Demand for Green Companies and Products
• Green product sales in the United Kingdom are set to double by 2015, Australian manufacturers are scrambling to get green tag certified, 82% of Iceland's energy now stems from renewable sources—the bottom line is that the world wants green, and re-branding your company as “green” may now be the best way to get a foot through the international door.
• Green Branding  When corporations first began to brand themselves as “environmentally friendly,” the trend was localized to markets within reach of major renewable energy sources, such as geothermal power plants and wind farms. Now, going green has become a marketing mechanism, prompting the development of a plethora of green products that are affordable even for small business owners. One of the major reasons behind this change is the positive image that going green projects, an image that consumers respond to. It says—this business cares. We care about the world you live in, we care about your health, we care about the health of your kids. According to a recent study cited by Forbes, 73% of consumers today would switch brands if a different brand of similar quality supported a good cause.
• Tax Initiatives: While the tax incentives for going-green vary by state, 30% or more of the cost can often be covered by federal or state tax breaks. Business that install geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, or solar energy systems through 2016 are eligible for a 30% tax credit. State tax incentives can include property tax exemption, energy-reduction rebates, and tax breaks on qualifying Energy Star products. A full list of available federal and state tax credits for companies that go green can be viewed at The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

The Latest in Green Energy Developments

• Commercial Solar Power Systems: Solar power panel technology has improved in leaps and bounds over the past decade. Options for business owners interested in solar power include:
• Rooftop systems that utilize the sun's rays to reduce both heating and cooling costs.
• Ground systems that generate power for all nearby buildings.
• Carport systems that provide solar energy in addition to offering charge ports for electric cars.
• Tracker systems that follow the path of the sun to maximize power output.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps Geothermal heat pumps work as both heating and cooling systems, utilizing the earth's natural power to provide renewable energy that is 45% more efficient than standard power. 
• Energy-Star Products Energy Star products are certified by The Department of Energy to guarantee their energy efficiency and minimal carbon footprint. A full list of these products can be found on the Energy Star Website.

Global Expansion for Small Green Manufacturers--Phone Forwarding

• Cost management during expansion: The expense of global expansion can prove debilitating for small businesses. This expense can be minimized through the usage of virtual numbers and call forwarding. Virtual numbers are phone numbers that are not directly connected to a phone line, often operating using VoIP technology. These numbers allow small businesses to set up local toll free calling for international customers. Calls made to virtual international numbers are routed directly to US call-centers, creating the impression of an international presence with minimal cost.
• Global accessibility: Virtual numbers can be used limitlessly, permitting expansion to countries across the globe. For small companies, this virtual expansion is the key to international accessibility. Callers from France, for example, will believe that their call is answered in France. A virtual presence makes customers feel more comfortable, and eliminates the need for complex international dialing.
• Scalability: For small green manufacturing businesses, global expansion is likely to result in long-term business growth. Telecommunications scalability is essential during the growth process as, without it, increases in call traffic can lead to compromised customer service.