Global environmental awareness over the last decade has been on a steady incline.  Corporate and small business sustainability action indicates more companies are beginning to recognize sustainability risks and opportunities in addressing environmental and social concerns.  However, even the most action-oriented organizations face reputation risks when marketing claims exceed sustainable action. Today’s consumers are becoming more...

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Have you ever noticed how the expression of a corporate mission differs from the high level vision to how it’s expressed within an organization?  It appears there is often a disconnect between a corporate sustainability plan and how that vision filters down to the day-to-day workings of the company’s employees.   The heart of this may...

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Synergy comes from the Greek word synergia, meaning joint work and cooperative action.   Synergy is created when things work in concert together to create an outcome that is in some way of more value than the total of what the individual inputs is. Solutions to complex problems can be sparked by unusual pairings.  Consider how you...

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More and more organizations are now embracing business sustainability as a means to differentiate their organization and gain a long-term competitive advantage.  These companies are adopting a comprehensive definition and business sustainability that runs consistently through core business processes and aligns the interests of key stakeholders. According to a recent study, top performing organizations view sustainability...

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A 2007 Earth Day report commented that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office received more than 300,000 applications for green brand names, logos, and tag lines.  The year saw the largest increase in green applications since 2000, with the applications including the word “green” doubling from 2006.  Along with other indicators, this appears to be...

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Does your company have the right structures in place to promote eco awareness and foster innovation?  Ask your key stakeholders. The pursuit of business sustainability does not have to come from any one source.  It can generate from within your own company at the ground level, from the customers you service, or your suppliers.  Often employees...

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Stakeholders: Usually thought of as a corporate term used to define employees and investors most affected by a decision.  While true, this view only represents a very small slice of the total spectrum.  Sustainable business expands the traditional view of stakeholders . Direct stakeholders are defined as any person, group, or entities that have a direct...

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