Focusing on the Benefits of Sustainability

In a recent Environmental leader article, Robert Stavins (Director Harvard Environmental Economics Program) explains the role economics will play in the pending climate legislation formation. He describes how benefits and costs will determine the eventual outcome of upcoming climate policy. This analysis has many companies watching and waiting for direction rather than implementing proactive sustainable business strategies.

At Taiga Company, we believe the benefits of properly applied business sustainability concepts far outweigh the implementation costs or any negative impacts of the upcoming legislation. Our small business resources are currently working with clients to focus their attention on the business sustainability benefits that directly apply to an organization’s unique situation.

In working with clients, we often come across businesses and individuals waiting on legislation to shape their future action. While a more passive approach, our sustainability consulting chooses to focus on the immediate and long-term benefits as a motivating factor.

According to a recent Aberdeen Group study, The ROI of Sustainability: Making the Business Case, top performing organizations view sustainability as a "must have" strategy for long term business viability and success. The top benefit drivers for business sustainability implementation identified in the study include:

•    Desire for Social and Environmental Stewardship – 56%
•    Increase or Maintain Brand Reputation – 48%
•    Build a Competitive Advantage – 46%
•    Meet Stakeholder Pressures – 29%
•    Managing Rising Energy Costs – 22%
•    Present or Expected Regulatory Compliance Mandates – 22%

Sustainable business strategies need to be not only cost driven but should also focus on additional benefits. Businesses taking proactive steps to capture the benefits of sustainability will be much better positioned to respond to upcoming policy.

Taiga Company’s professional consulting encourages its clients to implement sustainable practices which transform traditional methods and promote continuous sustainable improvements.