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.
Bob Willard in his classic book on the business case for sustainability, The Sustainability Advantage, had this to say “Companies that lag (in sustainability) will be history, trapped in a hoax of perpetual, unsustainable growth. Companies that lead (in sustainability) will win.”
With the economic recession in the past two years it has been difficult for small to medium sized companies to move forward with sustainability initiatives and projects. The trend for sustainability has not died and will be important factor as the U.S. economy strengthens. According to a recent report by United Nations Global Compact and Accenture, an overwhelming majority of CEO’s, over 93% say that sustainability will be critical to the future success of companies, in spite of the recent economic downturn. Most believe also that within a decade most businesses will merge sustainability within their core business. In the report, CEO’s also identified the consumer as their most important stakeholder as it relates to environmental concerns.
Sustainability planning takes time. Be the lead in your business and industry in sustainability.
Eco-labels were designed to help the consumers choose more environmental and social conscious products. Today there are literally hundreds of eco-labels. Although the intent is good with eco-labels with so many on the market with various meanings, it has essentially confused the consumers.
A free downloadable report by the World Resources Institute and ecolabelling.org called the 2010 Global Ecolabel Monitor essentially is a comprehensive survey on the performance and organizational structure of all eco-labels found throughout the world. They surveyed over 340 labels from 42 different countries.
Ecolabel Index is another terrific site that is a database of all ecolabels which provides meaning and context. Another site is Global Ecolabelling Network that has good information and reports on eco-labels.
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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