Have you ever thought about the amount of fuel and energy consumption necessary to move shipping cargo around the world? Some big companies have increasingly scrutinized the “energy efficiency of cargo and container ships,” according to a new article on greenbiz(dot)com.

In fact, more and more attention is being given to a ship’s efficiency rankings by companies such as Agricultural businesses, who are concerned with fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, to name a few.

Interestingly, while the ethics and benefits of energy efficiency are quite clear, it is the financial argument that carries a great deal of weight in this case. That is because a high efficiency vessel that consumes less energy is argued to have a cost advantage that can make it more marketable.

Energy efficient ships also last longer than energy inefficient ships, according to the article. As well, “KfW IPEX-Bank estimates that the most efficient vessels use 30 percent less bunker fuels than similar ones that haven’t been optimized for those considerations.” Sustainability, in this case, is not just a good idea for the environment; it is sound business practice that has financial advantages.

Will efficiency ratings become a consideration in all sectors in the future? What do you see trending?

Read the full, original article here: http://bit.ly/1K9n9VY