Sustainability - November 17, 2011

A Change In The Corporate Approach?

According to an Industry Week article, “While companies historically have approached energy efficiency and sustainability with an eye toward compliance, there is agreement today among global executives that a more integrated approach is needed…”

That’s based on a survey, the article said, “A recent Economist Intelligence Unit survey of global C-level executives, sponsored by Ingersoll Rand, showed that nearly 80% of executives believe energy efficiency will be more important to their businesses over the next five years.”

“As a result, companies are seeking solutions that will enable them to implement sustainability practices that will improve their bottom lines and help their customers and communities enhance their energy efficiency.”

Trends & News Bites

Cisco & packaging: GreenBiz.com offered an article on "Cisco’s Packaging Diet", which included the table below.

Nutritional label for building materials: According to GreenBiz.com, “The label crafted by Construction Specialties and Perkins and Will isn't a certification program, but it's designed to pull together all the content information available on a product and summarize its environmental impacts.”

Sustainable procurement how-to: GreenBiz.com offered a recent article with nine tips on “engaging with your suppliers on sustainability.” Detailed in the article, the nine ideas, in brief, include:

1.      Cultivate commitment

2.      Identify priorities

3.      Get up to speed

4.      Decide on your performance standards

5.      Ensure internal alignment

6.      Start with a warm-up

7.      Be consistent

8.      Monitor progress

9.      Set your ambitions for public transparency