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Sustainability has evolved from an interesting buzz-word in the halls of industry and academia into a comprehensive strategy shaping institutional initiatives and producing innovative, active solutions to some of society’s most perplexing issues. One pillar of sustainability initiatives is minimizing the negative effects of chemical and energy misuse. Renewable and sustainable energy sources, elimination of harmful chemicals that pollute the air and water, and recycling of waste products are some general objectives of sustainability. Sustainable processes and products are constantly being developed and adopted at universities, municipalities, and corporations to achieve this mission.

 

Sustainability and competitive advantage are no longer mutually exclusive concepts. As the public becomes more aware of the realities of environmental abuse, many consumers have begun to look to companies that are creatively employing sustainable practices. And many sustainable products and practices today are less expensive to use and not as capital intensive to buy than traditional ones. Sustainable solutions may lower cost and improve efficiency, resulting in a more favorable bottom line and competitive advantage.

 

In my previous post I shared the importance of establishing a baseline for energy performance, setting goals and developing a plan as the first steps to a more sustainable operation. For public sector organizations hoping to identify existing conditions, I suggest contacting your State Energy Office. Many states offer basic energy audits at little, to no cost. If a State does not offer options to provide energy audits, there are a number of Energy Service Companies (ESCO’s) that may offer audit services as a standalone service or part of a larger comprehensive energy management program.

Sustainability occupies a prominent place in the Mission Statements of many global companies. The successful execution of sustainable practices can clearly demonstrate corporate responsibility, endear customers, save resources, and even enhance profitability. Sustainability initiatives require top-to-bottom commitment to a philosophical change in a company’s business approach. Some of the major obstacles include the inevitable trade-offs that occur as leaders weigh sustainable practices against profit expectations.

Motor vehicle traffic and its accompanying pollution have been a major environmental concern for decades. With approximately 1.2 billion vehicles in operation today and more on the way, Earth’s atmosphere continues to absorb massive amounts of harmful emissions from a billion internal combustion engines on a daily basis.

 

Soybeans have long been featured as the most versatile agricultural product in the world. While most soybean production ends up as components for animal feeds, a notable and growing percentage of the product can be found on retailer shelves in an amazing variety of products or in industrial applications that most would never have imagined.

 

As the need for global sustainability becomes increasingly recognized, politicians, company leaders, community groups, and individuals are proudly announcing their commitment to protect the planet for future generations. This is particularly true as more organizations realize the economic and marketing benefits of using and producing sustainable products and energy sources. The trend has taken on considerable momentum.

 

As companies embrace sustainability and environmental friendliness, they frequently look for solutions developed by their competitors and organizations outside their industry facing similar challenges.

Defining sustainability can be a moving target to say the least. Organizations must examine their own unique circumstances and challenges in formulating their long term sustainability strategies. Formulating strategy must begin with a well-defined goal and vision for organizational sustainability. This definition lays the groundwork for overall action.

 

Emissions from conventional solvent-based traffic paints used for striping roads and parking lots are hazardous to our health and the environment. These paints give off high levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, a known contributor to ozone and public health hazard.