SUNNYVALE, Calif. — The Climate Group and Arup unveiled a new tool Wednesday to help California businesses adapt to the state's aggressive climate change legislation -- and turn a profit.

The "Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: California" was launched at an event the same day the California Air Resources Board published the state's latest plan to rein in greenhouse gas emissions under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Also known as AB 32, the legislation is geared toward reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

"Businesses need a tool," Margaret Bruce, Western Regional director for The Climate Group, said in a statement.  "The 'Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy' is a useful, easy-to-follow guide that will help small- and medium-sized businesses save money, improve business performance and benefit from the economic opportunities created by AB 32's implementation. There are other documents that help reduce energy consumption, but the 'Business Guide to a Low Carbon Economy' caters specifically to AB 32."

The Climate Group, which sponsored a conference at the headquarters of AMD to launch the guide, is working to build broad support for AB 32 and help the state benefit from its implementation.

The guide is a primer for any business operating in the state -- and beyond. It includes an introduction to climate change and AB 32, as well as an explanation of how companies will be impacted. If offers a roadmap to help businesses establish a baseline of emissions with an overview of various protocols and examples of corporate reporting data.

From there, it discusses how companies can reduce indirect and direct emissions, as well as information about green building improvements, incentives offered by various utilities reduce energy consumption and renewable energy options. A third section deals with buying offsets, while a final section delves into reporting emissions to stakeholders.