Technology firms are innovating, consumers are buying, and investors should be paying attention. The model is simple – build it (truly green) and they (consumers) will come.

Alibaba, a global Internet B2B giant, reported strong growth of keyword searches for words relating to renewable energy and energy efficient products, in addition, they reported that global trade in renewable energy products is rising drastically. In the same report, the global business site reported – 71% increase for green keywords in 2008 compared with 2007, which itself grew 67% from the prior year.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is also weighing in on consumer Eco-trends and green demand in the May 2009 Home Technology and Energy Efficiency study that concluded consumers are very concerned about their home energy costs and are intent on reducing their monthly bill. Elminating wasted energy is the first major step in any home energy audit. As well, the CEA has released similar findings that green is more than an incentive; it is a must in new electronics and mobile device purchases. 

The findings of a December 2008 CEA study, Going Green: An Examination of the Green Trend and What it Means to Consumers and the CE Industry, uncovered that 33% of consumers expect to make green consumer electronics purchases over the next 2 years. “Consumers are now beginning to associate terms like recycling and energy efficiency with consumer electronics,” said Tim Herbert, CEA’s senior director of market research. “As they seek out those attributes in the purchasing process, there is enormous opportunity for manufacturers and retailers.” The report additionally found that 53% of consumers say they are willing to pay a premium for consumer electronics with green attributes. 

Green Tech has conjointly generated buzz and maintains a large presence in the blogosphere, on twitter and through other popular online communities. Large B2C online retailers, like Amazon and eBay, have joined the growing green opportunity along with large global retailers, like Wal-Mart and Target.

Vampire energy loss is gaining press momentum this year from the Obama Administration, noteworthy news sources - like CNN, the New York Time, LA Times, the DOE, CEA and others.  The world is recognising that vampire energy consumption is severe and must be resolved, especially in consumer electronics. 

The CEA also found a disconnect between existing and emerging energy efficiency measurements and rating systems, like energy star and the voluntary 5 star rating system, because they vary in what measures what, where and at what kilowatt. According to the CEA, consumer confusion surrounds green labels since the consumer electronics industry lacks a holistic green indicator or metric. Likewise, the study says that consumers want an easier way to identify if a product is environmentally sound, and 74% of those consumers think manufacturers and retailers should do more to be Eco-friendly.

The overriding message of these studies is twofold: 1) Consumer demand trends overwhelmingly agree that Eco-friendly technology, electronics and products are a strong existing market that is only forecast to grow exponentially in coming years. 2) OEM manufacturers, retailers (both online and brick and mortar), and investors are presented with a unique opportunity to reap profits as well as be positive environmental stewards. Thus, green is no longer just a cause or mere purchasing incentive; rather, it’s a staunch, rapidly growing consumer and business market.