What is the Driver Behind Corporate Sustainability?

Happy Earth Day, everyone! I have been travelling a lot lately and have been engaging in many discussions at events and online. Recently, I was asked a question about corporate intent for integrating sustainability. They were wondering whether, in general, companies are seeking sustainability because it is the latest buzz word, or because there is a true awakening to the need for advanced business practices. This question was specifically posed about the auto industry, but I believe it translates over to many other product and service sectors.

I believe that there are really two ends of the spectrum when defining the reasons for corporate response to sustainability. Sustainability may be a buzz word in some industries, but there are many forward-thinking organizations that realize that, in order to ensure long-term success, they need to evolve their current business practices. These companies understand that they cannot continue doing business the old way and are often leading their industries in both innovation and profits. There are others, however, that use sustainability as a short-term marketing strategy to capitalize on market demand, rather than moving the needle and providing real value.

In my 30+ years working closely with companies in developing and implementing sustainability programs, I have found that, the more an organization commits to sustainability, the greater the reward. Sustainability fosters a long-term strategic focus and, in that respect, organizations that view sustainability as an investment stand to create lasting value.

Hopefully, while you all take time to reflect on this Earth Day, you think about your organization and the benefits sustainability adds to your long-term strategy. If you want to hear more about using sustainability to support your business strategy, register for my webinar next week, Critical Crash Course on Corporate Responsibility.

Keep posting comments, subscribe to my blog for future updates (by providing your email address at the top right), and check out my website and LinkedIn groups for great discussions and other resources.

– Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP

Links:

1. See more resources on my website
2. Sign up for next week’s webinar
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn
4. Check out my recorded webinars and videos on my YouTube Channel

What's Missing from Your Sustainability Program?

Welcome, everyone. I strongly believe that business/industry must lead the way in creating a paradigm shift in sustainability. The key to getting corporations on board is training. I believe that, to truly make progress, training needs to go beyond raising awareness; it must empower people to move the needle. Much of the sustainability training available in the market today is more theory-based, and lacks specific, actionable steps.

The issue with the training and education I have seen to date is that raising awareness merely establishes the problem, but doesn’t provide real solutions. Corporate Sustainability programs often fall short without clear direction. Companies can see the end goal, but fail to reach it without the appropriate knowledge and tools. Without forward movement, organizational commitment wanes and sustainability falls to the wayside.

Having worked in this industry for 30+ years, I have found that the best way to alter behavior and opinions toward sustainability is to demonstrate the tangible benefits to people. In my corporate consulting firm, we often encounter resistance toward changing a system that works; but once a green process is proven to be a sound and financially beneficial option, attitudes shift.

I see a real need for action-oriented sustainability training to help conscious corporations deliver on their sustainability goals and achieve measurable value. In that regard, I have developed my upcoming seminar to provide cutting-edge, relevant information and the tools to drive your sustainability program. Watch the video below and learn how you can be at the forefront of your industry, capture market share, and stay profitable with sustainability. There are only 4 weeks left until the seminar, so reserve your spot now!

– Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP