Hewlett-Packard has a long tally of photocopiers and laser jet printers on the EcoLogo-certified list, so I thought I’d share some information on the company’s environmentally-preferable products and the business results from HP’s efforts.

Public sector customers are beginning to move toward green public procurement, which means companies like HP have a competitive advantage. Companies that have products with certification, such as EcoLogo or Greenseal, are able to compete for those contracts where competitors that don’t meet environmental standards may not. As another example, according to an AMR report (which provided much of the information here on Hewlett-Packard), HP has begun measuring corporate request-for-proposal dollars from RFPs specifically asking for information on items like supply chain practices and materials used in relation to corporate responsibility goals. That number topped six billion dollars in 2005.

The biggest benefit to HP from its green initiatives may be the company’s ability to stay ahead of both government regulations and market pressures for sustainable practices. The AMR report goes so far as to suggest that HP’s approach to greening its supply chain could rival business-model disruptors like Dell, with its made-to-order computers, and Southwest, with its low-cost airline strategy. Whether or not that theory proves true, HP has created an infrastructure and product strategy – including meeting the strict environmental requirements of EcoLogo certification – that should generate greater and greater returns in the years ahead.

Posted by Mari in Green products, Procurement