What are the Green CSR Trends for 2010?

For many companies, it is that time of year when business plans are receiving their final polish for the coming year. Companies, large and small, are laying out budgets, strategies and work plans that they feel will help their businesses prosper in 2010. As a sustainability consultant, I can’t help but ask, How does sustainability factor into this annual planning process? What can we expect to see in 2010?

Reflecting on 2009, a report from Siemens and McGraw-Hill Construction indicates that even during the worst recession in 60 years, corporations across the U.S. continued to accelerate sustainability efforts and increase efficiencies as part of their overall business plans. With that in mind, we expect business sustainability programs to extend well into 2010. Following are three of the business sustainability trends we expect to continue into the New Year:

Leadership
Business leaders are presented with the unique opportunity to increase profitability through expanded eco awareness and a proactive response to changing market expectations. Successful leaders will continue to refine and improve upon sustainable business strategies as well as improve internal and external communication.

Supply Chain
Sustainable supply chain will continue to be a focus as practitioners continue to couple supply chain best practices with business sustainability strategies. Gains will be applied via improved consistency and reliability of supply marked in areas regarding sustainable material selection and supplier manufacturing processes as part of supplier selection criteria. Implementation of key supplier performance metrics to ensure continuous alignment with sustainability targets will be established and implemented across industries.

CSR Reporting
With the potential implications of pending legislation weighing heavily on many companies, business sustainability is receiving top increasing recognition and attention. Investors and other stakeholders are encouraging companies to report publicly on the financial implications to their business. Companies will be increasingly aware of the need to address environmental issues. They will be under pressure, not just from governments and shareholders but from civic-minded employees to authentically and transparently report on corporate sustainability plans.