Current News

April 30, 2010
The Virtual Business Model: Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Vancouver, BC - It is no secret that green issues are a top priority this year. Following a series of climate change conferences, governments are setting targets to dramatically cut down on annual CO2 levels, for example the US and Canadian governments are looking to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.

These targets have increased pressure on businesses worldwide to reduce use of unsustainable resources and CO2 output, prompting many businesses to integrate include environmental considerations into their agendas.

From reducing fleet costs to promoting home working, businesses globally are looking at a number of considerations in order to promote environmental sustainable working practices. Jim McFarlane, President & CEO, Explorer Software in his comments below explains how Explorer software is doing just this by employing a virtual business model for employees across eight different countries.

"As Explorer Software operates internationally, the virtual office has helped us to communicate more effectively with other offices across the globe ensuring that we continually provide the best services to our customers whilst also reducing our operating costs and our CO2 output. Explorer Software has embraced a virtual model for over ten years and in the past year, Explorer's employees have reduced C02 emissions by an estimated 1500 tons simply by working from home."

"Explorer's flagship product Contract Manager, ERP software for the construction industry, is a prime example of a product coming from a virtual office. Version 7 of Explorer's Contract Manager can operate entirely on the web, allowing companies to access their data from anywhere with an Internet connection. Version 7 embraces everything web, from scheduled reports to your email inbox, integrated Google Maps to locate customers and projects, and the ability to bookmark Key Performance Indicators and individual reports. With the solution, contractors everywhere can leverage the benefits associated with a virtual environment - including cost savings and environmental benefits."

"With rising energy costs, environmental concerns, and governmental initiatives to promote sustainability, we will likely see a rising trend in the adoption of the virtual model. Explorer continues to lead by example both in practice and by developing software with a commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices."

About Explorer Software:

Explorer Software Group is the leading provider of software solutions for the construction industry worldwide offering a broad range of solutions for small, mid-sized and large enterprises. Explorer's construction accounting solutions offer rich functionality, a highly flexible application platform, a full application suite and best-in-class customization abilities. The software and services are designed to produce meaningful increases in revenues and margins to contractors.