2009-12-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

As we ring in the New Year with personal and professional resolutions, GBW is committed to supporting organizations interested in being more sustainable.

If you are in leadership within your organization and have not chosen this business platform, please consider reading BusinessWeek Research Services (BWRS) 2009 white paper about their survey of 101 C-level executives.

The research program determined the attitudes and opinions of C-level executives with regard to the use and value of business analytics. The title of the report is Emerging Green Intelligence: Business Analytics and Corporate Sustainability The white paper can be downloaded from SAS on their web site http://www.sas.com/whitepapers/index.html

For those companies who are on the fence or have not begun considering the impact of sustainable business practices, perhaps this white paper will provide some insights for consideration. An executive summary includes the following points:

1. Although still in its adolescence, sustainability is being recognized by innovative executives for the opportunity it offers; more than half of executives are focusing on sustainability throughout 2009.
2. Sustainability is not a top-tier concern at the moment but is still a focus of many C-level executives.
3. Sustainability issues are driven by C-level executives, especially the CEO .
4. Additionally, in the last 12 months, half of organizations have increased their focus on sustainability, while two in five have kept their emphasis on sustainability the same.

If you are leading your organization down the path of sustainability, congratulations, the rewards are many. Companies that get their data together fastest will save money, improve performance, recruit and retain the best and brightest talent, answer customer questions and demands, and find new market opportunities.

If you have not decided to take these important steps, how will you compete? And how will address playing 'catch-up' with your stakeholders?

In my days of agency work, we would tell clients who waited until the last minute, 'We can do it good, fast or cheap-pick 2!' Like any project, an EMS (Environmental Management System) will be a higher caliber when you can be planful. It's less expensive when deadlines are flexible and mandates aren't looming.

Why not consider deploying sustainability in your organization while choices are still in your business favor?

Best Wishes to All for a Prosperous New Year!
Stephanie

How to Make GreenBusiness Work

2009-07-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, GreenBiz wrote about how, during difficult financial times, innovation in business succeeds. This thought parallels observations about what sustainable businesses already know and implement. Green practices, and the innovation that comes with them, create sustainable businesses. But how to get started?

One of my favorite sessions at the EXPO will be "We're From the Government and Here to Help." Remember that phrase? In the past, it may have been met with groans; today it is met with green. Several state agencies that offer free-yes free-services to businesses will be offering resources and advice about what is available to support your business in going green. The EPA, GA Department of Natural Resources, Sustainability Division, and GEFA, all with great solutions for saving money, will present at this session.

Getting started is a challenge. What is the first step? Fortunately, those who have less than three years of track history can attend a session at the EXPO with some high level, experienced captains of sustainability. We have an invitation only, Sustainability 101 session with Jim Herzfeld, InterfaceRAISE, and Roxanne Peyser, maugood consulting, for those companies and organizations new to sustainability. This session is an excellent place to ask those questions that may be a little intimidating around the more experienced. Surrounded by “newbie” peers, this session is for those who want to get started. Speak up-take advantage of this session by contacting me to register. You cannot get an audience with these subject matter experts at this price.

Sustaining sustainability in these economic times is forefront on the minds of many. We have John Wells, VP Interface NA, speaking about how to maintain the profitability of your company while maintaining your corporate responsibility and commitments. This session will illuminate how to sustain sustainability in this economic landscape. Those early adopters who are years ahead of many are looking for key ideas and solutions to keep the faith. John will guide us through his journey.

Saving money, saving energy, saving water - all translate to sustaining your business. Oh yeah- and it is on an environmental platform. Your company will reap these rewards for years.

The GreenBusiness Works EXPO is content driven and issues focused. Attend, engage, listen, and learn –your investment will be returned through a revitalized business.

See you September 2-3, 2009 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.