Sustainability- A New Business Strategy

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“In the last year or two, everything has changed.  People are starting to suspect that sustainability is really a strategic issue that will shape the future of our businesses.  The specifics are different depending upon industry and context, but we’re in the beginning of a historic wake-up.”  Peter Senge, Sloan School of Management

This is taking on a life of it’s own and some experts are calling it a Mega Trend.  The forces driving it are bigger than any one organization or industry.  It is for this reason that it MUST be addressed in order to remain competitive.

What is Sustainability?

Many think of it as the “green movement.”  This is a part of it.  When done properly, it’s much bigger and cuts a wider path.

One definition of Sustainability is that it is a business strategy that embraces opportunities and manages risks that come from economic, environmental, and social developments, thus creating long term stakeholder value.

Sustainability from a strategic organizational perspective also includes an increase in productivity and/or reduction of consumed resources without compromising product or service quality, competitiveness, or profitability. 

It’s much more than just a green movement.  Becoming a sustainable organization is three pronged:

People + Process + Environment = Profit

The benefits have been shown to include:

  • A stronger brand,
  • Greater operational efficiencies,
  • More efficient use of resources,
  • Enhanced ability to enter new markets,
  • Enhanced ability to attract, retain, and motivate employees,
  • Increased customer loyalty,
  • Reduced environmental impact and,
  • Increased innovation.

Implementation

Sustainability has the greatest chance of success when a proven implementation model is used.  “You cannot implement these kinds of programs bottom-up, it’s impossible.  It’s always top down…Always.  Because it’s such a cultural change, you cannot do it organically.” Georges Kerns, CEO IWC

It needs to be:

  • Strategically based,
  • Management driven,
  • Employee supported and,
  • Stakeholder/customer focused.

This is what creates a winning company in the 21st century.

What is the next step?

We have a proven implementation model that works quickly.  Call or email our office today so we can discuss with you how you can begin to reap the extraordinary benefits of sustainability as a strategic business model.

Howard Litwak, President and Chief Change Officer
office: 518-664-5033
cell: 518-248-3843
howard@howardlitwak.com

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