By the sheer number of initiatives in this arena and the degree to which other efforts are trying to hitch their wagon to the trend, it is clear that something important is afoot. Will merely knowing more about these impacts necessarily lead to dramatically better sustainability outcomes?

I worked with a number of boards and board chairs over the summer, and here are the things on their minds and the things they'll be grappling with this autumn, above and beyond the usual business of the year.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is preparing the latest version of their international sustainability and CSR Reporting Guidelines (G4).

Is sustainability mainstream? Although the buzz around it may have us thinking it is, organizations in the U.S. still have a ways to go to internalize sustainable business practices.

Today, the drivers of environmental action go deeper than philanthropic motives, or doing the right thing. For a growing number of companies, "going green" is now a core business strategy.

Earth Day was a powerful first act to what could be a wonderful stage production by drawing worldwide attention to universal environmental issues and setting the stage for changes needed in our own consumption patterns.

The most famous Muppet of all, Kermit the frog, famously stated, "It's not easy being green." Turns out, it's not easy as being an empowered investor either.

I think the most exciting and important development is that there is greater public awareness of corporate governance and boards, which is vital. It's no longer a black box, or a mysterious room.

In the life sciences and beyond, diversity makes business sense and social sense, and every one of us has an interest in making sure that diversity is put on the agenda.

companies are making tough decisions about where money is spent, and they are having a hard time justifying investing in their future when their present looks so shaky.

The board room agenda is going through a reformation. What are some of the essential things that boards and board members need to think about? Five areas need an update.