Magazine Pull

In the beginning, when Henry Kravis and his partner George Roberts founded Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) in the seventies with the help of the First Chicago Corporation, the firm’s specialization was in bootstrap buyouts. But they have assembled an innovative green proposal that focuses not alone on maximum profit margins, but additionally on the ecological impact of the companies they acquire. KKR’s Henry Kravis and the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) got together in 2008, with the mission of making green business practices an acknowledged idea. They aims to fight a number of crucial issues affecting the environment, for example toxic emissions, hazardous waste, excessive water consumption, and toxic chemical use. Eco-efficiency (the phrase was initially promoted by the WBCSD) is the technique applied to achieve these goals, through using techniques such as recycling programs, reducing the intensity of materials and reducing the waste of resources. The project was successful, nevertheless the firms who were participating did not grasp the full project’s advantages until Ken Mehlman, the head of the Green Portfolio Project and global public affairs, assessed the project following a full year in operation.

Much to everybody’s surprise, Ken saw that practicing eco-efficiency not only increased environmental awareness, but was increasing the profits from every company too. Well-nigh all of the commercial organizations affiliated to KKR and Ken Mehlman now are engaged in eco-efficiency techniques. And, when you consider that the group has a 2009 business portfolio estimated at $86 billion, you can be sure this was not a simple feat. The Green Portfolio project is expanding to encompass new opportunities. For instance, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co linked up with the EDF’s Climate Corps Program that instructs MBA interns how to introduce cost-effective, green techniques.

Furthermore, Ken Mehlman has been in close collaboration with Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co to formulate analytic tools that business organizations can utilize to evaluate and manage a number of resources. With this information available, any business can analyze all of their daily operations and discover where they can resolve any issues while at the same time seeing their progress.

Henry Kravis, the KKC, and the Environmental Defense Fund have encouraged all sorts of businesses to go green. In summary, the work of these organizations has made green business techniques not only viable, but commercially desirable, and their radical ideas are setting a new standard in today’s business world.

Do you know the hidden costs of owning Nashville Real Estate? Have you thought about the expenses that go along with being a property owner?

First-time homebuyers, especially, need to be sure they understand that there are a lot of hidden or related expenses to owning their own home. What are some of these costs?

For starters, how about real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance? This can be a sizeable sum…although it’s usually included in their mortgage payment. Private mortgage insurance is also included on any mortgage over an 80/20 loan-to-value ratio. There’s also flood insurance if the property is in a 100 or 500 year flood zone.

Don’t forget about the cost of maintenance and repairs. There’s always something that needs to be done around the house. Or how much money do you want to spend in landscaping? What about decorating? Can you do the work yourself or will you have to hire someone? You may be surprised at the cost of custom draperies and new furniture.

If the property is older, you might consider the cost of a new roof…new appliances…new plumbing…or will you need a major remodel? This usually runs into more money than you expect.

So, always count the cost and make sure it’s in your budget. Owning your own home in Nashville Real Estate is wonderful – if you have made plans for the hidden and sometimes unexpected costs related to this purchase.