Taking Care of Business
I've
long maintained that human resource managers are the real drivers of sustainability inside mainstream companies. Every time I see how-to advice on greening a company that includes the suggestion to "get top-management buy-in," I think, "Sure, but what about everyone else?"
The potential of human resource professionals -- whose dominion includes hiring and training, among other things -- is significant, and largely untapped, in helping to make sustainability a strategic activity inside companies. With a growing number of companies competing to be seen as an employer of choice, and with sustainability and corporate responsibility looming increasingly larger in some sectors, the ability for HR folks to attract, hire, and retain green-minded job seekers can play a huge role in the success of a company's long-term sustainability goals.
Sometimes, motivating employees starts with teaching them "how to fish" -- that is, helping them be more aware and engaged in sustainability in their personal lives. That's what Wal-Mart is doing in helping its 1.3 million employees engage in
Personal Sustainability Projects. As Judah Schiller, whose company developed the concept for Wal-Mart,
explains this week, "Just as sustainability is being used more frequently from an operational perspective to improve internal processes, reduce costs and create efficiencies, personal sustainability can also be used as a powerful tool to improve upon a range of HR issues: commitment, attrition, education, health & wellness, motivation, and engagement."
The Wal-Mart experiment is -- well, an experiment. We don't yet know whether and how sustainability will "stick" with the company's employees. But it's an intriguing notion: by demonstrating the benefits of sustainability -- from improved health and well-being to creating a more eco-conscious community -- in their personal lives, employees just might help their employer be similarly less wasteful, more resourceful, and more engaged in the local community.
And that makes human resources a critical link in the quest to make sustainabiilty a part of everyone's job.
-- Joel Makower, Executive Editor
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The Latest News on Business and the Environment
Toyota and BMW Cut Emissions, Take Market Share: Report
Toyota and BMW cut their fleets' carbon dioxide emissions rates while taking larger slices of the U.S. automobile market, according to a recent report.
Trade Group Launches Eco-Tool For Envelope Manufacturers
An envelope manufacturing trade group announced this week a new tool to help industry stakeholders learn about environmental best practices.
Progress Energy Florida Takes Solar Energy to Schools
Progress Energy Florida is taking renewable energy to schools through a program that will install photovoltaic solar systems at schools throughout its 35-county service area.
Fisker Automotive Announces New Luxury Plug-In Hybrid
A new company that could give the highly anticipated Tesla Roadster a run for its money plans to unveil a luxury plug-in hybrid in January.
Coca-Cola Unveils 100% Recycling Goal, New Plant Plans
Coca-Cola announced plans Wednesday to build a $60 million recycling plant in the U.S. to aid its efforts of recycling or reusing all of its plastic bottles.
Businesses Cut Carbon on the Scale of Two Cities, Carbon Trust Reports
By Dana Gornitzki, Edie News
U.K. businesses have cut more than 10 million tons of C02 emissions since 2001 because of work with the Carbon Trust, according to the government-funded organization.
Dow Corning Introduces Three New Solar Materials
Dow Corning Solar Solutions announced Tuesday the introduction of the three materials to its solar energy product line.
Tool Helps Travelers Offset Emissions
Another tool to help travelers calculate their carbon imprint is now available, but this one lets them immediately offset their flight- or auto-related emissions.
Wells Fargo Kicks Off Green Marketing Campaign
Wells Fargo & Co. announced a green marketing campaign Tuesday that will give Washington State customers three eco-friendly new services.
Skoll Foundation Accepting Grant Applicants for Social Entrepreneurs
The foundation, founded by Jeff Skoll, the first employee and president of EBay, now seeks applicants for grants to advance work that can have a large-scale impact on critical social challenges.
Calif. Company Offers Homeowners Solar Option
Premier Power Renewable Energy Inc. is offering some homeowners the chance to pay fixed electricity rates for the next 20 years through a solar installation program.
Frito-Lay Joins Nat'l. Green Leadership Program
The Jonesboro, Ark., plant of Frito-Lay Inc. plans to cut pollution and water usage and boost its recycling as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Performance Track program, the company announced.
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Leave Only Footprints: Measuring and Managing Corporate Carbon Emissions
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