As 2026 starts, I’m moving 8020Green into a new area of focus. 8020Green was always about applying the Pareto principle with an environmental focus – or very specifically about energy efficiency.
80/20 is all about results and effort being imbalanced. Its about leverage. So I’ve focussed on training – figuring that helping others learn what I learned over many years of undertaking energy efficiency projects was a great form of leverage.
And I’ve had the fortune to also influence policy related to Measurement and Verification of energy savings in utility energy efficiency incentive schemes in Australia – with the intent of attracting more investment into energy efficiency. And, primarily through my affiliation with EVO – the Efficiency Valuation Organization – I’ve enjoyed engaging with people from around the world.
Now I love teaching, and in 2026 will still be doing that when the opportunity arises, and I’m sure that there will be plenty of enjoyable opportunities with EVO. And where my experience can help shape policy, that’s great too.
However there have also been too many times where I felt I was applying the 20/80 rule – a lot of effort, with limited results. A friend of mine astutely recently noted that he has sensed some frustration in my posts (thanks Lou!). And I am really sick of spending too much of my time staring at computer monitors. Things have to change.
Businesses that are efficient and effective are ones that minimize wastage of effort and resources. Resources such as energy, water and materials. And make best use of the tools available to them to do so. My final newsletter of last year was focussed on AI – a new tool – that I find both incredibly exciting and really scary. I’ve been a relatively early adopter.
And now in 2026 I’m looking to leverage my experience in business consulting, in conservation of resources, and my AI hobby, to help businesses be more effective, and efficient, using AI. Specifically, in applying the 80/20 rule to use AI for the few things that matter. To apply AI in a practical way to help businesses achieve stronger margins, smoother operations, with less wastage of time, money, and resources.
I’m looking to spend more time away from my computer listening and engaging, less time calculating and typing. More time working with the technical experts (in this case AI developers), and less time being the technical expert.
More details of this new focus are here: https://8020green.com
Would love to get your reaction. And if you employ 10 or more people – I’d love to have a chat with you about using AI in your business on the few things that matter.
