Carbon footprints. Emissions caps. Environmental mitigation. Keeping on top of sustainability can be a confusing time sink for business small and large, especially after decades of focusing exclusively on the bottom line. Fortunately, a growing number of carbon information management (CIM) companies are rising to meet the corporate world's need for fast, efficient climate impact assessment.

"Corporate social responsibility initiatives have moved from peripheral 'nice to haves' to core business strategies. Environmental solutions are now about saving money by using fewer resources," said Andy Leventhal, CEO and co-founder of Planet Metrics, a recently launched CIM firm. Chosen to assess the carbon impact of the world's largest consumer technology trade show (CES), Planet Metrics offers business software solutions to improve both the economic and environmental bottom line.

The burgeoning CIM sector is a definite win for the sustainability movement. Aside from simply making individual companies more eco-friendly, investor interest—to the tune of $2.3 million in Planet Metrics' case—proves the private sector is committed to climate impact awareness, and sees it as a business with excellent potential for long-term profitability.