A report published by multiple entities offers insight into how small businesses can profit from sustainability. Sustainability initiatives can be challenging when most small businesses don’t own their building or facilities nor manufacture their products. This report focuses on case studies from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. It offers some best practices on sustainability that small businesses can employ immediately with little cost and high return.
This newly released book, A Simple Path to Sustainability, was built around case histories showcasing 12 Colorado small to medium sized organizations that have outstanding records of sustainability. The book was designed specifically to help smaller enterprises gain knowledge on best practices as well as inspire owners and management to undertake sustainable strategies. K.J. McCorry, owner of eco-officiency and sustainability consultant is a contributing author of one of these chapters on New Belgium Brewery.
The case studies collected detail on each company’s journey from initial sustainability idea through building a comprehensive plan, establishing a new company culture, engaging stakeholders and planning for the future. Each chapter also provides the challenges encountered along with lessons learned. Here are a few of the companies that are discussed in the book; Eco-Products, Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder Outlook Hotel, Boulder Valley Credit Union, First Affirmative Financial Network and Guaranteed Recycling Xperts.
The book is now available for purchase from e-retailers such as Amazon.com and Google.com.
A Simple Path to Sustainability: Green Business Strategies for Small and Medium Sized Businesses (ISBN: 0-3133-8269-7). Edited by Fred Andreas, Elizabeth Cooperman, Blair Gifford and Graham Russell.
Mitch Jackson, Vice President of Environmental affairs and sustainability at FedEx, wrote a good and distinct article on how businesses can start sustainability within their organizations. This was published by GreenBiz.com July 6, 2010. Click here to see the full article.
To learn more about FedEx corporate sustainability program, click here.
In the recent Colorado Biz magazine, they have listed the top Colorado companies to work for. Among them, was Alpine Bank. They were noted for their wellness program that provides ‘wellness bucks’ for each employee who participates in at least three of the wellness programs that Alpine Bank offers. Alpine Bank also has been proactive with their green initiatives with a commitment to reach by 2012 the following;
20% reduction in energy use
20% reduction in paper use
10% reduction in water consumption
25% reduction in courier fleet fuel consumption
To learn more about Alpine Bank’s sustainability initiatives click here.
Although McDonald’s is not known for its healthiest menu, it has done a terrific job of incorporating sustainable business practices into its organization.McDonald’s has a specific webpage designed to share their best green practices for other companies and organizations to learn from. Bob Langert, the Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer for McDonalds, also has a terrific blog. He travels around the world working to support sustainable food supply.
Walmart Canada recently launched a website, ShareGreen, that offers case studies on green business best practices within Canada.
Case studies have already been posted from companies such as Nestle Water, Stonyfield Farms, Tetra Pak, SC Johnson and Kimblerly-Clark. All companies are encouraged to share their stories and case studies on how they have improved energy, waste, green products and solution, and employee engagement.
Case studies are organized by industry sector such as food and beverage, manufacturing, professional services, resource extraction and retail industries, with plans to add further industries for the government, tourism and transportation sectors.
Take a look and see what other companies are doing to be more green and eco-conscious in their business.
published by multiple entities offers insight into how small businesses can profit from sustainability. Sustainability initiatives can be challenging when most small businesses don’t own their building or facilities nor manufacture their products. This report focuses on case studies from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. It offers some best practices on sustainability that small businesses can employ immediately with little cost and high return.
Best Practises | eco-officiency November 29, 2011 | 
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