Public sector purse strings have never been more tightly drawn and the dual pressures of trying to meet financial and environmental commitments are a heavy burden.
A coalition of green Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and consumer groups has earmarked billions of dollars in potential budget cuts to help balance USA books while reducing the country's environmental impact.
A scheme allowing Irish businesses to green their information technology and get the money back through tax breaks has seen one firm reduce costs by 30%.