The Path to Sustainability in Corporate America: Developing a Lasting Sustainability Program
Buffalo Grove, IL, Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Today we would be hard-pressed to find an organization – whether a corporation, higher education institution or governmental entity – that does NOT have a Sustainability program or effort underway. In just a few short years, we have witnessed a true and lasting evolution, where environmental awareness has led to the rapid institutionalization of sustainability as part of corporate and organizational strategy.
This paradigm shift has not been the result of a single event, but rather a convergence of factors that, despite a severe economic downturn, appears to gain in strength. These factors – demographic shifts, the discussion of climate change as a real threat, rising and volatile energy prices – have led to an impressive array of public and private sector initiatives, commitments and investment, including:
The U.S. Federal government’s commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy use and Green Building standards
Nearly 700 signatories to the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, and its goal of climate neutrality
The emergence of the U.S. Green Building Council and the adoption of the LEED Green Building Rating System
The growth of the Clean Tech sector, attracting significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this sustainability evolution has been the extent to which Corporate America is not only embracing the concept, but is providing the leadership to drive towards a greener, more sustainable future