The 2009 Greening of Corporate America Report indicates that recycling,
building green, focusing on employee engagement, and partnering with nonprofits is no longer an "extra credit" effort, rather now considered
"business as usual." In essence, these firms are seeing that
innovating now in the areas of green and sustainability will give them
an
Highlights of the study include the following:
"Three out of four firms view sustainability as consistent with their
profit missions. They expect that green practices tied to core business
strategies will reduce energy costs (75%), retain and attract customers
(70%), and provide market differentiation by contributing to the
financial
performance of the company (61%)."
It's not unreasonable to conclude that any substantive change in green
and
sustainable practices in this country depends on the involvement of
corporations,
and this study is proof positive that the seeds planted years ago by
those with
the foresight necessary are growing. Corporate interests have not
always been
aligned with those of the public good. However, this report
proves that sometimes the best interests of both can meet.
Jonathan A. Schein is the publisher of MetroGreenBusiness.com and GreenBusinessCareers.com.