Business benefits to sustainability

I was driving back to the office today after enjoying a wonderful lunch with a good friend and as I passed a garbage truck, I noticed myself thinking, "Recycle. Look at all of those garbage bags. Just recycle."

Being a sustainability consultant, the benefits of incorporating sustainability concepts into my daily life, business, and the professional and personal worlds of our clients seems obvious to me. But, as I passed by that garbage truck, it dawned on me that those benefits may not be so obvious to others.

So, what are some of the benefits to building a sustainable business?

Cost Reduction or Avoidance
Having a sustainability plan that reduces waste and emissions doesn't just benefit the environment; it also reduces your costs. Improved processes can help you cut purchases of raw materials and the costs of disposing of waste.

Market Opportunity/Advantage
Commitment to sustainable business improves the company's service offering, translating to improved market position and brand value, increased public image, and improved stakeholder engagement.
A company that has a positive reputation has a competitive advantage.

Employee Engagement
Sustainable business inherently creates meaningful work for employees allowing your company to attract and retain quality employees.

Seize the Innovation High Ground
Companies that are looking for ways to be more environmentally, socially and economically responsible are driving innovations in products, services and sourcing. Commitment to sustainability uncovers opportunities to explore, develop, collaborate, and innovate within your organization, your industry and your community.

Access to Investment Capital
One out of every nine dollars under professional management in the Unites States in involved in socially responsible investing. That $2.16 trillion represents a huge pool of money that is being invested in companies that have been found to be sustainable.

Value Generation
Sustainable business is proactive in preventing harm and protecting health. Your company has a purpose in addition to making money.

In our professional consulting with small businesses, we have witnessed how building a sustainable business eliminates wastes and reduce risks, it also creates a happier workplace, making it possible to make or save real money translating into more profit.