Strategic Sustainability Consulting Blog

SSC Has Moved!

2008-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

SSC has moved to a new blog home. Please change your bookmarks to http://sustainabilityconsulting.wordpress.com/. See you there soon!

BOOK REVIEW: GREEN TO GOLD

2008-07-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value and Build Competitive Advantage

by Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston

"No executive can afford to ignore the Green Wave sweeping the business world. This book shows how to make sustainability a core element of strategy - and profit from it." ~ Chad Holliday, CEO, DuPont

Environmental issues are no longer just the concern of government, NGOs and eco-minded individuals. Societal knowledge, and awareness of these issues has led to an increase in corporate accountability. This book offers a structured guide on how to become a part of the Green Wave and achieve Eco-Advantage for your business. To do this, authors Esty and Winston provide examples of corporate losses and gains, strategies to achieve Eco-Advantage, and tools needed for eco-tracking, redesign and culture-building. This book builds an organized argument for the importance of proactive environmental planning and decision-making that even the most conservative, profit-minded businessman cannot refute.

The argument begins with background case study examples from Sony and BP to compare the downside costs and upside gains that can result from ignoring or managing for environmental risks. The authors then follow with background information on the top 10 environmental issues, important stakeholders, and the top 50 Green Wave corporations doing the best to address these issues. The book then addresses how to get started on obtaining your Eco-Advantage.

The authors offer an organized Eco-Advantage toolkit. This includes how to: cultivate an Eco-Advantage mindset; develop eco-tracking through AUDIO and Life Cycle Assessment tools; redesign and drive innovation; and create a business culture that incorporates Eco-Advantage decision-making as part of everyday actions. Their green-to-gold plays address eight important areas to help reduce downside costs and risks and maximize revenues and intangible gain. This includes managing for things such as eco-efficiency, eco-risk control, eco-sales and marketing, and intangible value. The book has a very positive outlook on the value of joining the Green Wave, but it does not ignore the fact that some environmental initiatives will fall short or fail. To address this the book explains thirteen actions that lead to failure along with solutions and tools to avoid them.

The examples and strategies in Green to Gold are best geared towards medium to large businesses or corporations, however, as the authors point out environmental accountability is also becoming more and more important for smaller businesses as well. This book offers an interesting read with numerous examples, summary tables, and key highlighted points that make the information and strategies very accessible and easy to follow. For this reason, SSC recommends this book to any business owner or manager concerned with their bottom line and how to deal with environmental issues that affect it.

NEWS: Sports For Nature

2008-06-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

What’s more fun than playing sports? Playing sports that raise money to protect our wildlife! This past April we joined seventeen other companies to sponsor an event called Tennis For Nature, a doubles benefit tournament held in Herndon, VA. Fifty-six players were cheered on by over 400 spectators to raise money for two environmental organizations: Defenders of Wildlife and Alaska Wilderness League. Winners were awarded trophies, a one-month membership to the Sport & Health Club, and most importantly, voted to split the funds raised 50/50 between the two organizations. In the end, the event raised a grand total of over $32,000! These funds will help to protect the gray wolf population of the Northern Rockies, support polar bears in Alaska, and improve and protect the habitat of gopher tortoises in Florida. Now, that’s an ACE for the environment!

NEWS: Companies Reporting Sustainability Data Come Out On Top

2008-06-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

As many of us have suspected, a recent report by GMA and PricewaterhouseCoopers titled “The Food, Beverage, and Consumer Products Industry - Achieving Superior Financial Performance in a Challenging Economy - 2008” now confirms that those companies which report sustainability data consistently generate higher cash flow, outperform on gross margins and return on sales, and experience rising shareholder return and higher return on assets than non-reporting businesses. Greater return on assets and cash flows can likely be explained by wise investment decisions and operational improvements. Better overall performance may be attributed to the following two explanations. First, sustainable practices often result in leaner operations which in turn yields cost savings on energy and inputs. Second, consumers support environmentally-conscious companies, paying a premium for goods produced through sustainable practice. Still, it may be too soon to determine if green companies are better at a) meeting consumer demand, and/or b) adapting to fluctuating markets, than non-green firms. We can, however, safely conclude that sustainable practice is paying off at the bottom line for those companies committed to green business.

NEWS: A Recipe for Success – Sustainable Restaurants Pocket More Green

2008-06-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Green Revolution hits the restaurant world as illustrated in a recent article on Entrepreneur.com, which details how restaurants (or any business, for that matter) can reap the benefits of “going green.” The National Restaurant Association estimates that one million U.S. restaurants serving 70 billion meals annually and employing 13 million people generate revenues of over $500 billion each year. Recognizing the industry’s substantial economic impacts, the article explores the pay-offs and steps to take for sustainable restaurant practices.

Logistics is a key first step for greening your restaurant. American food products are estimated to travel 1,500 miles before consumption- an unsustainable distance given today’s fuel economy. One offered solution is to use local food sources, which in turn provides consumers with food that is fresher and tastes better- a competitive advantage for you- while supporting the local economy.

And what about pay offs? Eric Haley, Vice President of America’s first franchised national green restaurant chain Pizza Fusions states, “What we are seeing is that customers are voting with their dollars in support of businesses that are offering green solutions.” We vote our support!

For a detailed guide of how to get your restaurant on the path to sustainability, check out our new book: A Recipe for Going Green: Sustainability 101 for Restaurant. Its three sections work together to form a comprehensive resource for restaurant owners and managers, from initially asking the right questions to harnessing the entire restaurant community’s skills and enthusiasm—from simple steps for energy efficiency and water conservation to collaboration with communities to support local economies.

NEWS: SSC publishes new book - A Recipe for Going Green: Sustainability 101 for Restaurants

2008-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is excited to announce a new addition to its online bookstore: A Recipe for Going Green: Sustainability 101 for Restaurant. This book is designed to help guide your restaurant on a path to sustainability. Its three sections work together to form a comprehensive resource for restaurant owners and managers, from initially asking the right questions to harnessing the entire restaurant community’s skills and enthusiasm—from simple steps for energy efficiency and water conservation to collaboration with communities to support local economies.

At SSC’s online bookstore, small businesses and individuals can purchase and download helpful tools with tips on sustainability and green living. Customers can choose from an extensive list of publications, such as SSC’s Sustainability 101 series, as well as a host of other useful publications with tips and advice for "going green." The material can be purchased and immediately downloaded to the desktop.

Visit the Marketplace by going to www.sustainabilityconsulting.com and clicking on "Visit Our Store."

Check out other publications such as:

• Ten Simple Ways to Cut Energy Costs
• Guide to Buying Eco-friendly Paper
• Sustainable Food Production
• Green IT
• Making Cents Out of Sustainability
• Green Meetings and Events
• Sustainability 101 for Healthcare Facilities

Orders of more than 10 publications may qualify for a discount. Contact SSC at info@sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information.

VIEWS: Sustainability Consulting: One Size Does NOT Fit All

2008-06-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

To remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace, companies of all shapes and sizes and from different industries and sectors are introducing sustainability programs to gain a competitive advantage. Companies are expected to react to these changing dynamics and to address the changing consumer preferences for environmentally and socially sustainable products and services. The ideas of corporate social responsibility and sustainability are no longer fringe issues or passing trends, but are topping the list of strategic issues of executive management at Fortune 500 companies. Most multinational firms have incorporated some sort of sustainability initiative within operations, such as ethical sourcing, measuring and reducing carbon usage and recycling initiatives.

However, small- and medium-size companies are in a unique situation when it comes to sustainability. These firms don’t necessarily have the time, money or other resources to lead a full-blown, comprehensive sustainability program. Because of these differences, it is important to realize that sustainability consulting cannot be a “one size fits all” approach. What works for a Fortune 100 company most likely will not be a good fit for a small business. This is why it’s so important to hire consultants that really understand the process of developing and implementing sustainability programs, the resources available and constraints to expect, as well as the stakeholder “buy-in” necessary to execute a successful sustainability strategy for a small- or medium-size company. With these pieces in place, professional sustainability consultants can successfully navigate companies through the sustainability arena.

Sustainability consultants must remain flexible and adaptable, and should be competent in assessing the feasibility of programs and identify long-term opportunities and constraints. Consultants should recognize that a company typically cannot make one isolated change without addressing the impact of that change on other issues in the business. This “results-oriented” thinking ignores the complexity of execution and implementation of programs and does not provide opportunities for the necessary reflection and evaluation of the sustainability initiatives.

One of the key factors contributing to success of a sustainability plan is the level of collaboration and engagement among employees and other stakeholders during the planning process. This balance of top-down and bottom-up planning increases the likelihood of the plan gaining support and advocacy from stakeholders during the implementation phase. Finally, consultants should work with companies to plan long-term sustainability programs that are tied into business objectives, which will deliver a more integrated approach to sustainability. This is critical, as most “knee-jerk” programs that are not well-thought out, planned or executed have not proven to be very successful or sustainable.
If you are a small business that is interested in hiring a sustainability consultant, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you think through the best way to approach "going green" with special attention to your small business realities. Call (202-470-3248) or email us (info@sustainabilityconsulting.com) today!

PEOPLE: SSC Summer Interns

2008-05-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

We'd like to take a minute to welcome our new spring interns. They are an intrepid bunch with a wide-ranging skill set, and we're looking forward to tapping into their knowledge!

Brittany Durbin is a freshly minted graduate of Bucknell University where she studied management and studio art, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her immediate career plans include beginning her first full-time job with Lord & Taylor in New York City this September, entering their esteemed executive trainee program in order to earn job status as a buyer and financial planner. Ms. Durbin is passionate about helping companies become more (if not entirely) sustainable and plans to make this a part of her career in the future. She currently resides in her hometown of Ellwood City, PA, and enjoys all things "Pittsburgh," tennis, music new and old, and art.

Ida Arabshahi is currently a graduate student in a dual MA degree program at American University and the University for Peace in Costa Rica where she is studying natural resources and sustainable development. She has experience working on a wide range of issues in the environmental field including environmental justice, environmental education, and environmental legislation. Ida is interested in sustainable supply chains and transboundary environmental conflict management.

Joe Vandette is currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in Environmental Studies and Marketing at the University of Utah. His interest in sustainability began while studying resource management at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Joe returned to the States and helped conduct carbon emissions inventories as a volunteer at the University of Montana and as an intern at the University of Utah Office of Sustainability. When not involved with sustainability-related initiatives, Joe can be found outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.

April Hansgate is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology at the University of Maryland. She has a strong background in scientific research, plant conservation, economics, and adaptive management for planning conservation programs.

Claire Miziolek is in her last year as an undergraduate at Cornell University where she has been pursuing a double major in Economics and Psychology. She is interested in combining these skills to assist and promote businesses into more sustainable practices. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where she lived next to a forest, sparking her early interest in the environment. She is an active member of the Sustainable Enterprise Association at Cornell and recently became a Master Composter.

NEWS: Further Evidence Supporting Positive Impact of Engaged Employees

2008-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you aren’t already convinced of the business case and competitive advantage that can be gained by developing employees who are fully engaged in your organization’s work, the 2008 State of Employee Engagement report, published by BlessingWhite, will turn you into a believer. BlessingWhite, a global consultancy that recognizes the important link between employee engagement and leadership development in creating high-performance and sustainable organizations, released it’s annual report on the state of employee engagement in North America just last month. The report highlights global research and shares strategies for implementing employee engagement initiatives. BlessingWhite also presents a framework that illustrates the five levels of engagement and shares best practices gleaned from interviews with managers around the world.

One of the most noteworthy topics the report addresses is the challenge of varying definitions of “engagement.” While some organizations describe engagement as strictly job satisfaction or emotional commitment to the organization, BlessingWhite’s model for employee engagement blends maximum job satisfaction (employees enjoy what they do and do it well) and maximum job contribution (employees recognize the contribution they are making to the organization’s overall goals). The report also differentiates between engaged and disengaged employees in terms of retention, highlighting that engaged employees stay with a company or job for what they give (they like their work), while disengaged employees stay for what they get (favorable job conditions, growth opportunities or job security). BlessingWhite notes the popular correlation between employee engagement and retention, noting that 85% of engaged employees in North America indicated that they plan to stay with their employer through 2008.

One of the key takeaways of the report is that the most successful organizations implement and multi-faceted approach to employee engagement and consider it an ongoing priority, not just a once-a-year event.

Click here to read highlights and key findings of the report: http://www.blessingwhite.com/EEE__report.asp Employee Engagement Report 2008 – North American Overview – Published April 2008

NEWS: Survey Says…

2008-04-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

A recent study by Sirota Survey Intelligence, a firm that specializes in attitude research, recently published a survey reinforcing the widely known correlation between a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and employees’ attitudes about key drivers and motivators related to job satisfaction. Seventy per cent of the 1.5 million employees from 70 organizations responded that they are positive about their employer’s commitment to CSR. The data indicated that employees who feel positive about the company’s CSR initiatives also feel positive about other key indicators of the company’s success, such as:

- Senior management’s integrity
- Senior management’s inspirational sense of direction
- Organization’s competitiveness in the marketplace
- Company’s interest in employees’ well-being
- Employees’ engagement or pride in their organization

Click here to read the article and survey data: http://www.crmlearning.com/blog/?p=31 Workers Satisfied With Company’s Social Responsibility Are More Engaged and Positive

This is certainly not breaking news – in recent years, many studies have been conducted to determine what incentives motivate employees and repeatedly show that more employees are pursuing careers with companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. In addition to the cost savings of implementing “green” operations, employers also enjoy fewer recruiting, hiring and training expenses in the long-term, as companies with integrated CSR strategies are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

NEWS: SSC featured in Entrepreneur.com

2008-04-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about Strategic Sustainability Consulting in this month’s issue of Entrepreneur.com – SSC was interviewed and asked to provide insight on the important role employees can play in greening business. With a circulation of over 2 million subscribers, Entrepreneur.com is a great way to spread the word about how easy creating more sustainable businesses can be.

This article shares a story about how the founder of a payroll and HR solutions provider not only ensured that recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting were incorporated in its new offices, but also engaged 14 employees in a Green Team to brainstorm other ways the company can be a good corporate citizen. This level of employee engagement supports the recent findings that over 50% of adult employees feel their companies should do more to be environmentally friendly. I noted in the interview that giving employees these opportunities to contribute outside of the scope of their daily responsibilities creates a sense of ownership and loyalty that conventional employee retention programs do not. These environmentally and socially responsible initiatives give smaller companies the edge needed to compete with bigger corporations.

And for all the executives and senior managers reading out there, here’s a key takeaway for you – lead the initial green efforts by choosing one employee from each department to serve on the Green Team, and work with them to create the scope of the team and set goals for the upcoming year. Help them get of the ground, then stay in the loop and make sure information consistently flows up to the “C” suite.

Read the entire article here:
Green Team: Make your employees part of the solution by tapping them for environmentally friendly ideas by Chris Penttila, Entrepreneur Magazine April 2008

Also, if you’d like to find out how to make your company more eco-friendly, check out SSC’s new Sustainability Marketplace online – visit www.sustainabilityconsulting.com and click on “Visit Our Store” to find publications like “Making Cents out of Sustainability,” “Green IT,” or “Ten Simple Ways to Cut Energy Costs.” Also check out our new webinar, Implementing a Green IT Program, hosted by Jessica Vreeswijk, Founder of GreenITtools.com, on Thursday, May 1.

Register for the webinar here

NEWS: Strategic Sustainability Consulting Launches Online Marketplace

2008-04-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

"This is another way SSC is reaching out to small businesses and providing simple, practical tools for creating sustainable operations," says SSC President Jennifer Woofter

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is excited to announce the launch of the Sustainability Consulting Marketplace, an online bookstore where small businesses and individuals can purchase and download helpful tools with tips on sustainability and green living. Customers can choose from an extensive list of publications, such as SSC’s Sustainability 101series, and immediately download them right to their desktop.

Each Sustainability 101 series is comprised of three sections that form a comprehensive resource for businesses as they work toward greening their operations, from initially asking the right questions to harnessing the entire organization's or community's skills and enthusiasm. Customers can purchase and download Sustainability 101 for Healthcare Facilities and Sustainability 101 for Churches, as well as a host of other useful publications with tips and advice for "going green."

"We specialize in helping small and medium size organizations implement sustainability solutions usually reserved for larger companies," says SSC's President, Jennifer Woofter. "The Marketplace is another way we can reach these companies and provide resources and services to help them become more sustainable."

Visit the Marketplace by going to www.sustainabilityconsulting.com and clicking on "Visit Our Store." Check out other publications such as:

Ten Simple Ways to Cut Energy Costs

Guide to Buying Eco-friendly Paper

Sustainable Food Production

Green IT

Making Cents Out of Sustainability

Green Meetings and Events

Orders of more than 10 publications may qualify for a discount. Contact SSC at info@sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information.

NEWS: Strategic Sustainability Consulting Ranked Top 10 in 2007 CR Reporting Awards

2008-04-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is pleased to announce that it received "Top Ten" rankings for two different categories in the 2007 Corporate Responsibility (CR) Reporting Awards. The CR Reporting Awards, presented by CorporateRegister.com, is the very first global, independent, online awards for CR reporting.

SSC ranked ninth in the category of "Best First Time Report," against 31 other entrants. In the category of "Best SME Report," SSC ranked fourth among 13 entrants. CorporateRegister.com defines SME as a micro, small or medium-size enterprise with fewer than 250 employees.

SSC works with organizations around the world to evaluate the environmental and social impact of their operations, then develops a sustainability action plan with practical steps for clients to take to "green" their footprint. An essential component of those recommendations is a communications strategy for sustainability topics. Strategic Sustainability Consulting hopes its sustainability reports will serve as an example to other small businesses, showing them that sustainability reporting isn't just for big companies-but can be beneficial for all organizations.

"We tell our clients that transparency is the single most important factor in being a responsible organization" said SSC's President, Jennifer Woofter. "Sustainability is on everyone's mind these days, and businesses need to be able to communicate how they are dealing with issues ranging from carbon emissions and climate change to human rights in their supply chain. And that's true for us as well. We're honored and delighted to have received this recognition."

The 2007 CR Reporting Awards included nine categories: Best Report, Best First Time Report, Best SME Report, Best Integrated report, Best Carbon Disclosure, Creativity in Communications, Relevance and Materiality, Openness and Honesty and Credibility in Assurance.

CorporateRegister.com has an established online community of over 20,000 readers of the reports who have a proven interest in, and experience of, CR reporting. These users serve as judges and consider five essential element of each report - Content, Communication, Credibility, Commitment and Comparability. More than 20 industries were represented and 300 reports were entered into the Awards.

Download the 2006 report here: http://www.sustainabilityconsulting.com/pdfs/2006_sustainability_report.pdf

Information about SSC's current sustainability initiatives can be found here: http://www.sustainabilityconsulting.com/pdfs/2007_sustainability_report.pdf

EVENTS: Strategic Sustainability Consulting and GreenITtools.com Host Green IT Webinar

2008-03-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is excited to announce a new webinar, Implementing a Green IT Program. This interactive online event, taking place on Thursday, May 1, will focus on the practical steps to improve your organization's environmental impact and performance.
"There are huge environmental impacts associated with information technology," says SSC President Jennifer K. Woofter. "Smart companies realize that pursuing a Green IT program can lower carbon emissions, divert e-waste from landfills, and help achieve a dramatic reduction in energy costs. It's a win-win situation for their financial bottom line and the environment. The trick now is making it easy to implement such a program."

SSC is pleased to present this webinar in partnership with Jessica Vreeswijk, founder of GreenITTools.com. Jessica has spent the last six years providing IT project management, operations management, consulting and technical services in the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. GreenITTools.com provides practical, hands-on tools for IT managers in small- to medium-sized businesses to assess and reduce the impact of IT. The Green IT Guide and Toolkit for Sustainable Business offers first-hand advice and best practices based on Jessica's own experience in spearheading a Green IT program.

In this 60-minute presentation you'll learn:

- A five-step process for implementing a Green IT program
- Areas of opportunity and impact for Green IT
- Using the Green IT Toolkit to assess your organization’s IT impact
- Where to find resources to help you get started

This webinar is designed for IT directors, IT professionals and sustainability managers looking to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of the IT department.
Webinar: Implementing a Green IT ProgramDate: Thursday, May 1, 2008Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ESTLocation: At Your Desktop!Cost: $50

To register for this event, click here

About Strategic Sustainability Consulting:
Strategic Sustainability Consulting provides under-resourced organizations with the tools and expertise needed to understand and manage their social and environmental impacts. Through sustainability assessments, green office auditing, supply chain management, stakeholder consultations, sustainability disclosure and social marketing, SSC helps organizations embrace their larger societal responsibilities and be the good corporate citizens to which they aspire. Find out more at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com.

About GreenITtools.com
GreenITtools.com was founded to encourage discussion and implementation of 'green' IT practices in small- to medium-sized businesses. GreenITtools.com offers articles, resources, guides and toolkits to build understanding, and demonstrate viability for green IT practices. Visit www.greenITtools.com for more information or professional services.

JOBS: Summer 2008 Marketing/Communications Internship

2008-03-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is a Washington, DC-based company that provides organizations with the tools and expertise needed to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. We specialize in helping under-resourced organizations implement sustainable solutions usually reserved for large, multinational companies. Please visit our website at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information about our products and services.

We're looking for 2 marketing/communications interns to help on a variety of sustainability topics. If you believe you might be a good fit with our objectives (see below), please send your CV and a cover letter to denise@sustainabilityconsulting.com, indicating the position for which you'd like to be considered. We will accept inquiries through April 18, 2008, with initial interviews on a rolling basis. Please be prepared to provide two writing samples and a list of references. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

We're looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and sensible Interns to assist with a range of communications projects. This is a position ideally suited to a graduate student (or mid-career changer) with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related fields. Advanced undergraduate students are also encouraged to apply. Depending on skills and interests, intern projects may include:
- Assistance with media outreach and press relations
- Supporting the production and dissemination of SSC press materials, company statements and positions, and core messages
- Identification and development of news opportunities for positioning SSC
- Helping to retain business relationships
- Writing and editing reports and white papers

These internships are for 32 hours/week for June 16, 2008 - August 15, 2008, and will be local, DC-based. A small stipend will be offered, along with a performance-based bonus. In addition, we will offer job placement coaching. This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in getting into the sustainability consulting field, but who can't make a full-time commitment.

JOBS: Summer 2008 Research Internships at Strategic Sustainability Consulting

2008-03-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is a Washington, DC-based company that provides organizations with the tools and expertise needed to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. We specialize in helping under-resourced organizations implement sustainable solutions usually reserved for large, multinational companies. Please visit our website at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information about our products and services.

We're looking for 4-6 research interns to help on a variety of sustainability topics. If you believe you might be a good fit with our objectives (see below), please send your CV and a cover letter to denise@sustainabilityconsulting.com, indicating the position for which you'd like to be considered. We will accept inquiries through April 18, 2008, with initial interviews on a rolling basis. Please be prepared to provide two writing samples and a list of references. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

The SSC Research Interns will work closely with lead consultants to provide background material for ongoing consulting projects. Past assignments have included working on client "Green Office Audit" projects, carbon footprinting, researching stakeholder engagement in the mining industry, writing white papers on sustainability topics, creating case studies on "green" supply chains, and developing surveys for employee satisfaction. If you have strong research and analysis skills, and can quickly gather and summarize data into its salient points, this is a great opportunity to dabble in a variety of sustainability topics.

These internships are for 32hours/week for June 16, 2008 – August 15, 2008, and will be local, DC-based. A small stipend will be offered, along with a performance-based bonus. In addition, we will offer job placement coaching. This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in getting into the sustainability consulting field, but who can't make a full-time commitment.

JOBS: Internships

2008-02-21T20:36:00.000-08:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting will once again offer summer internship positions in 2008. We will be opening up the SSC summer internship program for applicants in March/April. Please check back in late March for further information.

In the meantime, we would like to inform you about the following internship opportunity:

The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship is reaching out to our friends in the academic world to find a few good graduate students for a summer internship program. They are looking for smart, capable students who are interested in helping business leverage its social, economic and human assets to ensure both its success and a more just and sustainable world. They offer a paid 10 – 12 week internship; hands on experience in CSR; site visits to other organizations focused on socially responsible business (e.g. CERES, KLD Research & Analytics); opportunities to participate in webinars, brown bag lunches, and presentations by corporate members; interactions with corporate membership; and a valuable job experience. Past interns have gone on to jobs with KLD, McDonalds’ CSR team, and The Center. They have openings in the following areas:

Communications
Executive Education
Institute for Responsible Investment (IRI)
Member Knowledge Center
Membership
Research

To learn more and apply, visit their webpage and click on 'job bank' under the knowledge center: www.bcccc.net

The application deadline is March 2nd.

EVENT: Webinar – Implementing a Green IT Program

2008-01-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

This is an exciting time in the IT industry as we collectively begin to look at the impacts of our business on society, the environment and of course the economy. As the businesses we support begin to look at the environmental impacts of operations, we must be ready to support them and do our part. There is no doubt that IT is a contributor to the problem, so how can we contribute to the solution? It can be hard to know where to start!

SSC is pleased to present Implementing a Green IT Program, an interactive webinar focusing on the practical steps to improving your environmental performance. In this 60-minute presentation you’ll learn about:

-- how to assess your organization’s IT impact,
-- benefits and opportunities around implementing Green IT practices
-- getting started with our five-step process for implementing a Green IT program
-- where to find resources to help you get started

This webinar is designed for IT directors, IT professionals and sustainability managers looking to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of the IT department.

Cost: $50
Time: Check our event calendar for the next date!

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to present this webinar in partnership with Jessica Vreeswijk, head of Pacific Sunrise Systems Consulting and GreenITTools.com. Jessica has spent over five years providing IT project management, operations management, consulting and technical services in the not-for-profit, government and corporate business sectors. Jessica has initiated the GreenITTools.com project in order to provide practical, hands-on tools for IT managers in small- to medium-sized businesses based on her own experience in trying to start a Green IT program. Jessica is an MBA in Sustainable Business candidate at Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

NEWS: Strategic Sustainability Consulting Releases 2007 Sustainability Report

2008-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

"It's important to show our clients that we practice what we preach," says SSC President Jennifer Woofter.

WASHINGTON, DC – January 29, 2008 – Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is pleased to announce the release of its second annual Sustainability Report. In the report, readers will find information on SSC's economic, environmental, and social performance—all based on the Global Reporting Initiative's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.

"Being transparent about our social and environmental impacts is key to our credibility as providers of sustainability consulting services," said SSC President Jennifer Woofter. "It's important to show our clients that we practice what we preach."

SSC works with organizations around the world to evaluate the environmental and social impact of their operations, then develops a sustainability action plan with practical steps for clients to take to "green" their footprint. An essential component of those recommendations is a communications strategy for sustainability topics.

"Whether it's a page on their website or a stand-alone sustainability report, we tell our clients that transparency is the single most important factor in being a responsible organization" said Woofter. "Sustainability is on everyone's mind these days, and businesses need to be able to communicate how they are dealing with issues ranging from carbon emissions and climate change to human rights in their supply chain. And that's true for us as well."

In addition to providing an excellent background on the company's recent operations, Strategic Sustainability Consulting also hopes this report will serve as an example to other small businesses, showing them that sustainability reporting isn't just for big companies—but can be beneficial for all organizations.

Download the entire report here: http://www.sustainabilityconsulting.com/pdfs/2007_sustainability_report.pdf.

About Strategic Sustainability Consulting

Strategic Sustainability Consulting provides under-resourced organizations with the tools and expertise needed to understand and manage their social and environmental impacts. Through sustainability assessments, green office auditing, supply chain management, stakeholder consultations, sustainability disclosure and social marketing, SSC helps organizations embrace their larger societal responsibilities and be the good corporate citizens to which they aspire. Find out more at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com.

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Woofter, President
Strategic Sustainability Consulting
(202) 470-3248
(202) 380-7544
www.sustainabilityconsulting.com

NEWS: SSC President Jennifer Woofter Featured in the Maryland Daily Record

2008-01-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

It seems everywhere you turn these days, "green" is the new color of business. But how effective are specific eco-initiatives? And are these programs going to make a significant difference, or are they just window dressing?

Last week I was delighted to take a closer look at several local businesses and opine on how far their eco-commitments go. Here's the context:

The Daily Record was curious about which “green” strategies really help the environment, so we spoke to five Maryland businesses that have touted their environmental bona fides. We compiled lists of their environmentally friendly policies and then ran them by a panel of environmental experts, who weighed in on what works.

Joining me on the panel of experts were Joel Makower, chairman and executive editor of greenbiz.com and Greener World Media Inc. and Jane Wolfson, director of the Environmental Science and Studies Program at Towson University since 1998.

We looked at five businesses in the Washington, DC area and evaluated their environmental programs and commitments. We think you'll find the results interesting--whether its realizing that a law firm is making a strong pledge on climate change, or discovering cupcakes baked to perfection using wind power.

Check out the entire article here for inspiration on how companies of all shapes and sizes are making "green" a reality.

PEOPLE: SSC Spring 2008 Interns

2008-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

We'd like to take a minute to welcome our new spring interns. They are an intrepid bunch with a wide-ranging skill set, and we're looking forward to tapping into their knowledge!

Geneviève Laquerre is originally from Trois-Rivières (Quebec) but her numerous work and travel experiences in Europe, Hawai´i, Mainland USA and Latin America qualify her best as a citizen of the world. Masters graduate in Sustainable Development Management, Geneviève is dedicated to sharing her passion about conservation and holistic development. She has worked with various international public, private and non-profit organizations as well as with indigenous communities. Her career interests include building sustainable communities and businesses, promoting ecotourism and participating in various education and outreach projects in coastal areas, tropical climates, and developing countries. To achieve a balanced lifestyle, Geneviève believes in surfing, yoga and embracing all that nature has to offer.

Kelly Scanlon is a doctoral student at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services where she is studying environmental and occupational health with a focus on the science of sustainability and its relationship to public health. In addition to her academic schedule, Ms. Scanlon is a consultant with the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at the National Institutes of Health. As a resident of Washington, DC, Ms. Scanlon regularly enjoys the city's plentiful museums, parks, and cultural activities.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Jennifer Garner participated in an AmeriCorps program in DC, leading volunteers on service projects across the country. She then moved to San Francisco and worked with KaBOOM!, building playgrounds with community organizations and corporate sponsors. In August 2006, Jennifer returned to DC to pursue her MBA at GWU and plans to work in the corporate social responsibility arena either in marketing and business development or consulting. Between classes, involvement with the GW's Net Impact chapter, and other fun projects, Jennifer enjoys running, discovering new music and road trips.

Lorre Walker is a proposal coordinator with PBS&J in Austin, Texas. She has an MBA in Business Management from St. Edward’s University and a BA in English from Texas Tech University. Lorre is an experienced researcher in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and global business. She has taken many global business seminars including Czech Republic and Costa Rica, and has been an Alumni Advisor to MBA global business capstone students, including a project for 3M China. In spring 2007, her paper, “The Current State of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Czech Republic” was published in Arete.

Maria Fyodorova has over 10 years of consulting experience managing economic development projects for a variety of donors including the US Government, the World Bank and various foundations. Ms. Fyodorova has provided strategic management and program development support to interdisciplinary teams in Brazil, Mexico, India, South Africa and the Philippines. Ms. Fyodorova also spent several years working on climate change policy issues with a coalition of businesses though the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and served as the Industry Liaison for the Clean Energy Group at Winrock International. She will graduate in May 2008 with her MBA in Sustainability and Strategic Management from GWU in Washington, DC. Her interests include ethical souring, "greening" the supply chain and change management best practices. In addition, Ms. Fyodorova writes a DC-focused green living blog titled Righteous (re)Style. In her spare time, she participates in efforts to green her community, designs jewelry, practices yoga, rock-climbs and plays with her two dogs.

VIEWS: Comparing CSR actions in the US and Europe

2008-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our fall intern Heather Shand for the following comparison of corporate social responsibility in the US and Europe:

A recent study done by Germanwatch, an independent environmental group, has found that out of the 56 nations doing the most polluting, the United States ranks at the bottom of the list in its actions to protect the climate (just one country above Saudi Arabia).

In contrast, the top 10 nations who are doing the most to counter climate change are mostly European nations. Although the Germanwatch study was focused on countries as a whole and the impact they are having on the environment, the same trend follows with regard to CSR actions in Europe and the United States. Why is this?

Of course, not all European companies are picture perfect with their triple bottom lines, but in general the Europeans are significantly ahead in the race. Regulations are one reason for this. The European Union and its individual nations create and follow more stringent regulations than the United States. For instance, products such as toys, electronics and cosmetics that contain specific plastics, toxins or chemicals are not allowed into the EU. The European Union has found that these toxins or chemicals are either already harmful to people and the environment or MAY be harmful. This is a prime example of the EU taking a more pro-active approach through regulatory actions. They react to potential hazards and long term affects, whereas the U.S. government waits for absolute scientific proof before banning anything dangerous.

This type of forward thinking can be paralleled here in the States as recently proven by the state of California. Beginning in 2009, any product containing phthalates cannot be distributed, sold or manufactured in California. This will force companies to change their sourcing to become more environmentally friendly, resulting in fewer harmful chemicals ending up in both people and landfills.

Moral attitudes may be another driver of action versus inaction. US companies still need a financial incentive for becoming more sustainable, while European companies are more likely to make their financial, social and environmental commitments equal to one another. Even with the stricter regulations CSR reporting is still voluntary in the European Union, but individual countries and companies still show strength in their own progressive actions. France, for example was the first country in the world requiring public companies to produce CSR reports.

However, these attitudes are beginning to change in companies throughout the United States. Obviously the media has started making climate change a priority in their reports, which has helped the public learn that our personal actions and choices affect people and the environment around the world. The growing belief that producing goods and services with fewer negative social and environmental impacts can actually create a positive financial outcome is finally changing the attitude of larger U.S. corporations.

With regard to wide-spreading and possibly powerful regulations, we as citizens tend to have more influence on the state level as shown with California and its restriction on phthalates. Rather than waiting on the federal government to take steps, state level governments can begin their own campaigns to protect the environment and people. Consumer choice can force the hand of companies reluctant to jump on the green bandwagon. With consumers becoming more and more aware of where and how a product is made, many are beginning to make sustainable purchases and investments a priority.

So, while Europe has had much success due to regulations and being pro-active, it appears that one of OUR biggest assets in the United States for strengthening CSR is the individual. Many of us feel the importance of CSR and we have the opportunity to do as much as possible to incorporate it into the companies where we work. Many owners and employers are too busy to think about their eco-footprint, often allowing employees to take the initiative. Many times this begins with small steps, but an employee’s actions can gain rapid momentum resulting in a strong impact on co-worker and stakeholder actions. It is this chain of events currently being set in motion by individuals that will have a powerful influence on reducing our overall corporate environmental impact.

Sources:
The State Of Responsible Business; EIRIS; www.eiris.org

The Communication of Corporate Social Responsibility: United States and European Union Multinational Corporations; Department of Management at DePaul University study published summer 2007; http://www.springerlink.com/content/f83v0051353071r2/

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008830327

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071207/sc_afp/unclimatewarminggermanysurvey

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16616951

PEOPLE: SSC Interns - Where Are They Now?

2008-01-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while we like to check in with our former interns. Read on for updates!

Alicia Godlove was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, working on a Green Office Audit and Strategic Action Plan. Since completing her internship, Alicia entered the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara to get her Master of Environmental Science and Management. She is specializing in Corporate Environmental Management and is involved with Engineers Without Borders at UCSB.

Anders Roe Edvardsen was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, working on different projects including drafting several research papers on topics such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Corporations, the UN Global Compact and Eco-Efficiency Indicators. Since completing his internship, Anders has been focusing on finishing his MBA degree in strategic management at Pace University with excellent results. He has also been traveling the east coast of the United States, doing trips to Europe and recently visitedEthiopia in order to experience different cultures and learn about local sustainable entrepreneurship. Anders is currently preparing for his graduation through job searches in management/strategy/sustainability consulting and the energy sector. He is looking for jobs in both the US and in Europe.

Britt Hinchliff was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, working on compiling a database of sustainability tips. Since completing her internship, Britt has been studying business in Barcelona, Spain, while working on her Spanish. She plans to graduate in May 2008 from UC-Berkeley and is currently looking to work in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Christina Benz was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, working on sustainability strategy consulting, ecological footprint assessments and business development. Since completing her internship, Christina has written a business plan for the Institute for Sustainable Development in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and conducted a water impact assessment for a publicly-traded mining company. As an independent consultant, Christina is currently researching a leading company in the agricultural industry to write an MBA case study on product stewardship in emerging markets, and is looking for further opportunities in sustainability strategy (i.e. risk mitigation, carbon footprint assessments, stakeholder engagement development and/or assessments, etc.), and/or sustainability-related marketing communications (i.e. transparency and competitive benchmarking, market research, CSR reporting, etc).

Erik Rainey was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, working on a Green Office Audit for a key client and the SSC Sustainability Action Plan for small businesses. Since completing his internship, Erik has finished his teaching position in Japan and returned to the United States where he is developing software for a small telecommunications firm. Erik is soon relocating to San Francisco and looking for a position in the sustainability consulting field.

Lori Kitchen was an intern with SSC during the spring of 2007, working on: calculating Eco Footprints and creating recommendations for organizations to reduce their carbon output; assisting with webinar presentations; and researching and writing projects such as reference guides for a CSR workbook. Since completing her internship Lori graduated from American University with a B.A. and accepted a position as a Program Assistant at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). At USAID Lori is working on global health issues especially involving maternal and child health and sustainable programming.

Scott Kleiman was an intern with SSC during the summer of 2007, supporting SSC's engagement with a large research-based nonprofit and contributing to SSC's forthcoming book, Sustainability 101: A Toolkit. Since completing his internship, Scott has joined Ceres, a nonprofit organization that partners with investors, environmental groups, and other stakeholders (SSC among them) to encourage companies and capital markets to strategically incorporate and address environmental and social challenges. In his role as Program Fellow, he manages special projects supporting Ceres' operations, and works with the Communications and Corporate teams on a variety of initiatives.

NEWS: SSC Featured in the Washington Post

2007-11-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

Exciting things are in the air here at Strategic Sustainability Consulting. Not only are we working with exciting clients, traveling to exotic locations (I'm typing this to you from Anchorage, Alaska), and developing new services for the coming year, we're also getting noticed!

Today SSC was featured in a special "green business" section in the Washington Post (the 6th largest paper in the US). I was interviewed for more than an hour, and got to share my excitement about opportunities for companies to improve their environmental footprint in a way that adds to their profitability and their employee satisfaction. You can read the whole article here:

Sustainability Consultant Takes Her Expertise to Market
by Anita Huslin, Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 26, 2007; D05

Aside from being thrilled to share this news with you, I also want to take a minute to reflect on the larger picture. It is now clear that 'going green' is a trend that is here to stay. If you've been a silent onlooker, now is the time to get involved.

I encourage you to take action today to make the world a greener place. If you want to make your company more eco-friendly, contact us today about starting an SSC Green Office Audit or getting a Carbon Footprint Analysis. If you are thinking about becoming a sustainability consultant, sign up for our Sustainability Consulting 101 webinar (offered next on December 12).

As I note in the article, "You can be dragged kicking and screaming, or you can take the lead." I hope you choose the latter.

PEOPLE: Spring Communications Internship at Strategic Sustainability Consulting

2007-11-19T13:15:00.001-08:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is a Washington, DC-based company that provides organizations with the tools and expertise needed to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. We specialize in helping under-resourced organizations implement sustainable solutions usually reserved for large, multinational companies. Please visit our website at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information about our products and services.

We're looking for a communications intern to help on a variety of sustainability topics. If you believe you might be a good fit with our objectives (see below), please send your CV and a cover letter to denise@sustainabilityconsulting.com, indicating the position for which you'd like to be considered. We will accept inquiries through December 7th, with initial interviews on a rolling basis. Please be prepared to provide two writing samples and a list of references. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

We're looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and sensible Communications Intern to assist with a range of communications projects. This is a position ideally suited to a graduate student (or mid-career changer) with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related fields. Advanced undergraduate students are also encouraged to apply. Depending on skills and interests, intern projects may include:

- Assistance with media outreach and press relations
- Supporting the production and dissemination of SSC press materials, company statements and positions, and core messages
- Identification and development of news opportunities for positioning SSC
- Helping to retain business relationships
- Writing and editing reports and white papers

These internships are for 15-25 hours/week for January 14 – May 16, and may be conducted remotely (although DC-based interns are preferred). A small stipend may be offered, along with a performance-based bonus. This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in getting into the sustainability consulting field, but who can't make a full-time commitment.

PEOPLE: Spring Research Internships at Strategic Sustainability Consulting

2007-11-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

BOOK REVIEW: Values-Driven Business

2007-10-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Values-Driven Business: How to Change the World, Make Money and Have Fun
Authors: Ben Cohen and Mal Warwick

What is the definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Ask 5 people and you will likely get 5 different answers. Mal Warwick and Ben Cohen’s book does not offer us a specific definition, but openly describes the unlimited options that businesses have to incorporate the various CSR values each finds uniquely important.

Perhaps your business would like to make a priority of giving back to the community or working on creating a supply chain that has minimal negative social and environmental effects, but you do not know how to get started. Maybe you are a business owner that desires to generously reward your employees, but fears it could affect your “bottom line.” Values-Driven Business inspires and encourages companies to pursue their own individual choices for CSR by sharing a number of stories from existing successful companies.

For instance, Juniper Communities, an assisted living company, built a 95-unit facility following nationally recognized building standards, resulting in a LEED certified building and revealing its commitment to a lighter footprint. Immaculate Baking not only buys the rights for the art used on its packaging for its organic goods, but was inspired to create a foundation that supports many of these artists that were more than just “struggling”, but barely surviving. Eileen Fisher, a women’s clothing company, offers a generous benefits package to its employees that includes profit sharing and $1000 per year, per employee for wellness classes and treatments.

Just as important as its stories, this book becomes an invaluable resource providing suggestions and tools a business can use to take the first step in implementing values unique to the goals of each enterprise. The authors decide to use the term Value-Driven Business in their book rather than CSR, but as explained in the preface it is a personal preference and along with a number of other common terms, can be used interchangeably.

The authors focus on the Small and Medium Based Businesses out there that are either curious about this concept or are ready to jump head first into this emerging and exciting facet of business. Whatever the goal of the reader, this book takes a step-by- step approach to encouraging enterprises to make decisions based on social, environmental and economic principles. It asks the reader critical questions such as “why are you in business?”, “are you ready to take the plunge?” and “can you make money in a values-based business?” The authors provide the guidance and tools for each individual business to answer the questions for itself.

EVENT: Webinar - Green Purchasing

2007-10-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

A Green Purchasing Policy is essential for a sustainable workplace: it reduces your ecological footprint, minimizes unnecessary costs, and indicates to stakeholders your organizations’ dedication to people and the planet. This webinar provides the strategic framework and practical tools needed to develop and implement an effective Green Purchasing Policy.

Green Purchasing Webinar
Location: Online, At Your Desktop!
Cost: $50
Sign-Up: Here

Topics to be covered include:

-- Why It Is Important to Buy Environmentally Preferable Products
-- Definitions of Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
-- The Identification of Desired Environmental Attributes
-- Balancing Environmental Considerations with Performance, Availability, and Cost Requirements
-- How to Empower a Green Purchasing Team
-- Identification of Initial Priorities
-- Assigning Responsibilities and Establishing Deadlines
-- The Use of Existing Environmental Labeling and Certification Programs
-- Creation of a Communications Plan
-- Developing Measurable Goals and Reporting Requirements
-- Regular Policy Reveiw

This webinar is co-hosted by Alex Szabo of TheGreenOffice.com, a company dedicated to accelerating the transition to sustainability in the workplace. Through the online sale of green office products, expert sustainability consulting, and strategic carbon offsetting, TheGreenOffice.com works to make office greening easy and cost effective.

EVENT: Webinar - Understanding Carbon Offsets

2007-10-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today, Americans introduce roughly 6 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually – over 25% of the 20 billion tons released worldwide – exacerbating the effects of global warming. Government initiatives such as the Kyoto Protocol attempt to curtail the impacts, but these initiatives are still years away from reaching full fruition. In the absence of effective government regulation, public demand for action has put a value on projects that reduce emissions, which in turn generate emission reduction credits. These credits are then used in carbon offsetting efforts.

Carbon offsetting is a relatively new concept for most people and, as such, has generated a good amount of debate. While simple at first glance, the market mechanisms supporting the generation and sale of offsets, as well as the way in which this activity results in actual emission reductions, are somewhat complicated. That's why we are pleased to offer:

Understanding Carbon Offsets, An Online Webinar
Location: Online, At Your Desktop
Cost: $50
Sign Up: Here

In this webinar we will explore how emission reduction credits are generated, tracked, and “retired”. At the end of this webinar, you will:

-- Have a clear understanding of the voluntary carbon offset market;
-- Understand how carbon credits are generated, traded, and “retired;”
-- Know how to accurately quantify an organization’s carbon footprint;
-- Be able to identify key criteria for procurement of high quality, unassailable carbon offsets;
-- Possess the ability to take an organization carbon neutral.

This webinar is co-hosted by Alex Szabo of TheGreenOffice.com, a company dedicated to accelerating the transition to sustainability in the workplace. Through the online sale of green office products, expert sustainability consulting, and strategic carbon offsetting, TheGreenOffice.com works to make office greening easy and cost effective.

VIEWS: When Tech Support Doesn't Understand Energy Efficiency Questions

2007-09-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Note: The following missive comes from Scott Kleiman, one of SSC's Summer Interns. We thought it was a great story about how frustrating the pursuit of basic environmental information can be...and how important it is for companies to educate their employees about their corporate CSR issues...enjoy!

Strategic Sustainability Consulting publishes an annual Sustainability Report that reviews how effective we've been as a company in minimizing our firm's environmental impact as we work. As part of this effort, Jennifer asked each of the summer interns to track and calculate our own ecological footprints associated with our internships over the past several months.

Most of us work remotely, communicating primarily through conference calls, online "meetings," and email. Our efforts largely go towards supporting SSC's senior consultants' client-work, through researching company and industry information, brainstorming solutions, and helping write reports. We also contribute to SSC's ongoing knowledge base of solutions, case studies, webinars, and white papers. Consequently, the majority of our time is spent on computers. Indeed, as I put together my own footprint data, my largest impact was the electricity used by my 5+ year-old Dell laptop.

Having spent the summer reading and writing about specific strategies and steps for businesses to incorporate sustainability into their operations, and being familiar with Dell’s new energy efficient computing campaign, I expected determining the energy used by my computer to be a relatively straightforward process: multiply the watts used (a rate) by the number of hours I spent working at my computer for SSC, and I'd get a rough estimate of my total related energy usage for the summer (in Kilowatt-hours). How I was mistaken...

I purchased my computer before my freshman year of college, at that point of my life having little conception of energy efficiency, so I never thought to ask about my computer's energy footprint when initially configuring it. As I began looking for energy usage information, my first thought was that it would, of course, be noted among the maze of notations printed on the bottom of my laptop or its power transformer cube. Voltage requirements, as well as some other certification gibberish were there, but nothing specific about energy consumption.

Perhaps it was on the "Spec Sheet" Dell had included when it shipped my computer? Being the packrat that I am, I knew I had it stashed away in the front part of the second right-hand drawer of my desk at home, and I ran upstairs to check. Nope – it just showed me that I needed to clean my room.

“It’s the age of the Internet,” I thought. The information I didn't have myself should certainly be just a click away on the Dell website. After 15 minutes of navigating through endless attempts to convince me about the fantastic characteristics of Dell's many new computers that it sells, I concluded that my search terminology must have been wrong and decided to call Dell customer support.

The 20-minute call, which included 8 long minutes of listening to Dell's ubiquitous muzak, concluded with me trying to convince a supervisor that, "No, there's not a problem with my system. I just want to know its energy consumption. In watts. Please....". This was followed up by an email detailing instructions detailing how I should return my defective part to Dell, succeeded 2 weeks later by an express mailed Windows System Restore CD directing me to resinstall my operating system to fix my problem.

Realizing the phone call was fruitless, I returned to the Dell website and booted up their online chat for customer support. Maybe typing out my problems would overcome the language and/or culture barrier that seemed to be preventing the very nice customer support agent from understanding my question over the phone. I excerpt from the instant message conversation below:

Scott: "I'd like to know about the energy usage of my Dell computer"
Scott: "Dell Inspiron 8200"
Agent: "I do understand that you are wanting to know the energy usage and I will do my best to assist you.
Agent: "For references - The warranty expired on the system on 07.30.2005. Is this your first contact with Dell regarding the energy usage?"
Scott: "I'm not sure --"
Scott: "I'm not having a problem with my system"
Scott: "I only need information about its energy usage"
Agent: "Scott, allow me 3-6 minutes to research this information."
Agent: "Thank you for holding. I do apologize for the delay. The power information that I have is that the system uses a 8 cell battery and a 65 Watt Adapter."
Agent: "Scott, it has been a great pleasure working with you today. I'm going to send you some important information for your records. I apologize for its lengthiness. Let me know if you have any questions about it."

My struggle illustrates one of the many challenges that remain as both consumers and companies look for ways to become more sustainable. (To read how this same issue manifests for many corporate IT managers, check out Andrew Binstock's article "How Many Watts Does that PC Consume Exactly, and Why?" from GreenerComputing News.)

In many cases, the enthusiasm and marketing efforts voiced by high-level executives are not consistently matched by the products and employees that support them. As Dell aims to be a leader among computer manufacturers in selling environmentally responsible systems, it must ensure that relevant environmental impact information about its products is both easily available for consumers online, and that its customer support staff understands corporate priorities in being able to communicate that data.

Even if new, environmentally innovative product lines are slower to evolve than the processes to publicize those accomplishments, developing corporate habits of transparency and openness towards customers can go a long way to helping companies of all sizes and sectors attract the attention of the new green consumer audience.

Neil from Dell Responds (in record time!):

I’m at Dell Headquarters in Austin, Texas and I just read the post on your blog but comments were disabled. I’ve worked in support here at Dell for a long time on the phones, in chat queues, and now in the blogosphere and can honestly say that I’ve never heard that question so I had to do a bit of looking around. What I found was a site; dell.com/energy, that has energy calculators and other info that you were seeking, only not for the system Scott has. I was only able to find it for later model servers, workstations, and the Optiplex and Latitude lines of desktop and notebook computers.

I realize this isn’t ideal for consumers with Inspirons and would imagine that as more consumers begin to seriously factor that sort of thing into their purchase, it will become available. I haven’t been a part of this site so I don’t speak from experience on this, but I would guess that the reason only the newer models of business machines were featured is that it is only a consideration for companies going forward and other factors will still dictate when the current systems are to be phased out either way. I can inquire about a specific system if you’d like but I think the general rule of thumb with the newer, dual-core machines is to enable the power saving features, kill unnecessary visuals, and not leave it on unnecessarily. If there’s any info you’d like me to find, I’d be glad to try and help track it down.

PEOPLE: The SSC Fall Interns

2007-09-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

We'd like to take a minute to welcome our new fall interns. They are an intrepid bunch with a wide-ranging skill set, and we're looking forward to tapping into their knowledge!

Bing Han
Bing Han has recently obtained her Honors Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. She has been involved with many not-for-profit organizations through work and extracurricular activities. Although she has always aspired to live a sustainable lifestyle, it was a recent backpacking trip to Europe that inspired her to pursue a career in sustainability. She is also a self-acclaimed movie and concert buff.

Davida Steinberg
Davida Steinberg is a recent MBA grad from Emory University in Atlanta, where she concentrated her studies on Sustainable Business Strategy. Davida's experience includes consulting for local government and national nonprofit clients on sustainability-related issues and managing projects at Benevolink, an Atlanta-based company facilitating corporate philanthropy through consumer-directed giving to nonprofit organizations. During her undergraduate time at Mount Holyoke College, Davida spent a year studying in Egypt. When not knitting or traveling, Davida continues to be an active leader through her volunteer positions with DC's professional NetIMPACT chapter and the DC Jewish Community Center.

Heather Shand
Living in and loving Portland, Maine, Heather Shand has spent a number of years working in the marketing and advertising world. A couple of years ago she changed direction and became a freelancer working in the production realm of photo shoots and local television commercials. Ready once again to learn something new, she is following her desire to make a difference in the way we live and work by gaining professional experience in the sustainability industry. She is also an outdoor enthusiast, loving time spent on a bike, on a hike or skiing in the winter.

John Nangle
John Nangle is currently a Masters student at George Washington's school of International Affairs in Washington DC. Before that John spent three years in Panama as a Peace Corps volunteer, working with rural communities to improve water sanitation and promote conservation of local resources. His interest in sustainability and environmental awareness are what lead to John pursuing a career in sustainable consulting. He also enjoys sports and traveling.

EVENTS: Sustainability Careers for MBAs

2007-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Are you a current MBA student or recent graduate who is struggling with the independent job search that comes along with looking for a career that matches your passion for making a difference in the world? Are you confused about how to position your pre-MBA experience to help get you to where you want to be next? Or do you not even know what career options might be available to you and where to find sustainability job listings? We can help!

Join us for an interactive webinar discussing Sustainability Careers for MBAs. We'll cover:

• An overview of career opportunities across common MBA concentrations such as marketing, finance, operations, and other areas -- customized according to the interests of the call participants.
• An overview of generalist (or sometimes not so "generalist"!) career opportunities such as sustainability managers and consultants.
• How to position your pre-MBA experience to get your foot in the door with the type of organization best suited to your background and career plans. Plus, learn to guard against the #1 mistake made by job seekers in this field.
• Key job-search resources as well as resources to stay on top of your game and not be overwhelmed. Also, learn a surprising fact about recruiting for sustainability careers.

Please note that while this seminar is geared toward current MBA students and recent graduates, all are certainly welcome to join.

The webinar is hosted by Karen Seeh, Principal of jihi Consulting and an SSC Associate. Prior to her move into independent consulting, Karen worked for 10 years in the public, private, and non-profit sectors - starting as an early promoter of the triple-bottom-line and then moving into CSR as well as exploring hybrid business models. She has an MBA in International Business and Sustainable Enterprise from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from IU-Bloomington. Throughout her career, she herself has explored many avenues in sustainability and has provided advice to hundreds of students and job seekers.

Cost: $50

Sign-Up on Our Website for a Live Session
or
Download a Recorded Session from Our Online Store

Space is limited to 8 people to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

If you have any questions, feel free to email SSC at info@sustainabilityconsulting.com or call us at 202-470-3248. We look forward to seeing you soon!

NEWS: SSC Interviewed for Deliver Magazine

2007-08-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to be featured in the August issue of Deliver Magazine, the "the leading online information resource for marketing professionals".

The article, entitled "Sustainable Economics", focuses on how companies should communicate their social and environmental activities to the investment community. Here's an excerpt:

Green investing isn’t new — for 20 years some analysts have regarded socially responsible investing as a proxy for good management — but it has recently gone mainstream. Along with consumers and suppliers, investors also need to know a company’s green initiatives.

But investors aren’t necessarily looking for a totally rosy picture, says Jennifer Woofter, president of Strategic Sustainability Consulting, a Maryland-based firm that helps organizations manage their social and environmental impacts. If anything, she says, reports about a company’s eco-footprint that are too sunny are bound to raise suspicions. Instead, she says, investors just want consistent evidence that the company is committed to gauging and addressing its key social and environmental impacts.

“That means the company is probably doing some good things but also recognizing and dealing with bad things,” Woofter says. Admitting a company’s weaknesses is more effective in sustainability reports than “greenwashing.”

Read the whole article here.

We also want to congratulate Deliver on producing an all-green edition. As the magazine notes:

When we at Deliver® decided to devote an entire issue to eco-friendly marketing, we knew we should do more than just write about it. We needed the magazine to reflect the environmentally conscious efforts we were espousing. It wouldn’t seem fitting to emphasize the “green” potential of a direct mail piece such as this while using all virgin paper, or in a magazine printed entirely with energy from fossil fuels. That we needed 100-percent recycled paper was a given — as was the need for environmentally friendly inks, which, in this instance, are mostly a blend of soy and a mixed vegetable oil package. We also worked with our printer to use paper manufactured with wind-generated energy.

What did going "green" mean for this issue? Deliver cites the following impacts:

— 101,000 Pounds of paper used
— 100% Percentage of post-consumer recycled content
— 969 Number of trees preserved
— 411,862 Gallons of wastewater flow saved
— 2,799 Pounds of waterborne waste avoided
— 45,571 Pounds of solid waste prevented
— 89,728 Pounds of greenhouse gases prevented, net
— 686,800,000 BTU s of energy saved
— 46,622 Pounds of air emissions prevented
— 20 Barrels of crude oil saved

Be sure to check out the other articles in this edition--it is chock full of green marketing commentary, suggestions, and analysis. Enjoy!

NEWS: Green Supply Chain Trends

2007-08-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

via Greenbiz:

According to an August 2007 study by EyeForProcurement, "greening" of supply chains is a growing phenomenon around the world. It got us at SSC wondering, is the SME world following suit?

The survey asked 188 procurement professionals -- primarily in the United States, Europe and Asia -- about their companies' practices, policies and plans for reducing the environmental impact of the materials used in their work.

-- half of companies have policies on greening their supply chain

-- companies are nearly unanimous in their belief that green supply chains will only continue growing

-- two-thirds of the professionals in the survey said that they are practicing green procurement to support their companies' environmental or sustainability strategies

-- half also said they're responding to customers' interest in greener products and services

But are these beliefs actually affecting procurement practices? Although companies are increasingly aware of the benefits and importance of green procurement, most of them are only acquiring a small portion of their materials in that way. Only 13 percent of respondents are sourcing half or more of their products and services sustainably, while 55 percent said they source less than 10 percent of green goods.

At SSC, we think that supply chain issues are a great place to start a sustainability strategy--and we offer a variety of related services. Unlike expensive auditing firms or niche advocacy groups, our supply chain management services allow clients to focus on the social and environmental issues important to them. More importantly, we provide guidance through each step of supply chain management--from supplier auditing to creating a "green" procurement policy--so that even organizations new to corporate social responsibility can feel confident that they are implementing best practices from start to finish.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

PEOPLE: Fall Internships at Strategic Sustainability Consulting

2007-08-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC) is a Washington, DC-based company that provides organizations with the tools and expertise needed to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. We specialize in helping under-resourced organizations implement sustainable solutions usually reserved for large, multinational companies. Please visit our website at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information about our products and services.

We're looking for 4-5 fall interns to help on a variety of sustainability topics. If you believe you might be a good fit with our objectives (see below), please send your CV and a cover letter to info@sustainabilityconsulting.com, indicating the position for which you'd like to be considered. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

We will accept inquiries through August 24th, with initial interviews on a rolling basis. Please be prepared to provide two writing samples and a list of references.

These internships are for 15-25 hours/week for September 15 – December 15, and may be conducted remotely (although DC-based interns are preferred). A small stipend will be offered, along with a performance-based bonus. This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in getting into the sustainability consulting field, but who can't make a full-time commitment.

Marketing Intern

How do you market a small consultancy to worldwide clients? How do you take advantage of e-based "webinars" to reach clients who wouldn't normally be able to benefit from expert sustainability advice? We're looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and sensible Marketing Intern to review our marketing strategy so far, and to design a plan going forward. This is a position ideally suited to a graduate student (or mid-career changer) with previous marketing experience. It will be a largely self-directed project, so applicants should be self-motivated and be capable of exploring options with minimal hand-holding.

Research Interns (3-4)

The SSC Research Interns will work closely with lead consultants to provide background material for ongoing consulting projects. Past assignments have included working on client "Green Office Audit" projects, researching stakeholder engagement in the mining industry, creating case studies on "green" supply chains, and developing surveys for employee satisfaction. If you have strong research and analysis skills, and can quickly gather and summarize data into its salient points, this is a great opportunity to dabble in a variety of sustainability topics.

----------
Jennifer K. Woofter, President
Strategic Sustainability Consulting

202-470-3248 (office)
202-380-7544 (mobile)
jkwoofter (skype)

jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com
www.sustainabilityconsulting.com

NEWS: Women and the Environment

2007-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

We're always intrigued by the interplay between social issues and environmental sustainability, and so we were especially interested in recent posts from Grist.org and Trendwatching.com about women, purchasing power, and the environment.

Consider these facts:

¨ Consulting firm A.T. Kearney estimates that women determine 80 percent of consumption, purchase 60 percent of all cars, and own 40 percent of all stocks.

¨ Women are up to 15 percent more likely than men to rate the environment a high priority.

¨ Women comprise up to two-thirds of voters who cast their ballots around environmental issues.

¨ Women are more likely than men to volunteer for and give money to environmental causes, especially related to public health.

¨ Women report both more support for environmental activists and more concern that government isn't doing enough.

¨ Women support increased government spending for the environment, while men favor spending cuts.

According to Grist (which sites all of the following survey data), polls also show that about 68 percent of American consumers have gone green, preferring health-conscious and environmentally responsible products. "Since 90 percent of women identify themselves as the primary shoppers for their households, and women sign 80 percent of all personal checks, it's safe to say that women are leading a quiet revolution in green consumerism."

What does this mean for you? If you employ women or sell to women (and we know you do!), then looking at ways to be more environmentally responsible can pay dividends—not just in reduced energy costs and less waste, but also in terms of improved customer loyalty, a strong reputation, and happier employees.

News: Can sustainability and globalization co-exist?

2007-07-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

In a report released by Shell, Ford, Novo Nordisk, Vodafone, The Skoll Foundation and others, globalization and sustainability are assessed within the frame of 21^st century business. The conclusion: “there is no more business as usual.” The report, entitled Raising Our Game: Can We Sustain Globalization, was released by consulting firm SustainAbility. The report illustrates four different scenarios for 2027, titling each scenarios after a card suit. The best scenario, “Hearts,” depicts a neo-renaissance of politics, economics, and sustainability coalescing homogenously.” Diamonds,” the worst scenario, depicts democratic lifestyles sweeping the globe, and destroying ecosystems and disabling decision makers and inhibiting society’s ability to respond.

The report outlines seven recommendations:

Plan for the unexpected
Focus efforts in areas of developing needs and booming populations.
Over time, a blended value bundle will be the norm in future business.
Work to increase Earth’s “immune system” through market intelligence and creation. Be a source for help.
Find opportunity in social and environmental issues
Step outside the comfort zone to find new innovations, technologies, and solutions.
Get involved in the politics, and find the vision, courage, and innovation to lead your company into the next business sphere.

If your organization needs help thinking through these issues, why not contact SSC for a consultation?

NEWS: Business owners are willing to go green

2007-07-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wells Fargo/Gallup polled 600 small-business owners and found that two-thirds would pay more for environmentally friendly goods and services. They also found that 43% of business owners polled “believed their customers would be willing to share the added cost of being environmentally-friendly.” However, 49% of owners were worried customers would not be willing to pay more for greener products and services. Still 47% of owners surveyed have already implemented greener practices/products into their business.

ArmorLite Roofing created a roofing material that was, “lightweight, durable, and used the least amount of natural resources.” Their product has been well received by clients, including state and federal governments. ArmorLite creator Frank Lane has been pleasantly surprised at the reception his product has received from consumers: “"I knew what I was doing would be important, but I didn't realize the magnitude of importance it would have in the community and the response that we would receive."

As consumers get more aware of their purchasing power, and the mainstream becomes more and more sustainable, don’t let your business get left behind. SSC can help your business become a sustainable enterprise.

NEWS: College students are concerned about the environment more than jobs.

2007-06-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

A survey was conducted of more than 400 college students of the class of 2011 and their parents to determine whether or not there has been any change in overall attitude over a generation. The study found that while parents were more concerned about post-graduation employment, the college students were, in fact, more concerned about the environment. Both groups were equally concerned with making enough money to be self-sustained, good grades, and keeping up with schoolwork. Of the students polled, 18% stated that the environment was their biggest social concern. Also, 91% stated they would pick an employment position they were passionate about over earnings. When the class of 2011 graduates, time will tell if these ideals hold true.

NEWS: The Economist's Report on Business and Climate Change

2007-06-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

In Early June The Economist featured a cover story entitled, “Cleaning Up: A 15-page report on how business is tackling climate change.” The report included several articles on how big companies are going green and why. The report discussed that the driving force toward green energy is not just moral pressure, but there is growing economic pressure as well. In spite of the current interest in greenhouse-gas emissions, emissions are continuing to rise:

“If greenhouse-gas emissions are to be stabilized, then the carbon price or the support mechanism for clean energy, or both, will have to rise or be adopted worldwide, or both. And if that happens, the returns on clean-energy investment will increase even further and the companies that have already invested in such businesses will have a head start over those that have not.”

Therefore, customers, businesses and governments are realizing solving the climate change problem will provide new markets, technologies, business, and money to be made.

The Economist report featured:

“Everybody’s Green Now: How America’s big companies got environmentalism.”

This article explains how a new business is forming out of the carbon market. More and more companies involved in power generation that once believed climate changed was the work of fiction, are coming out of the woodwork to create their own emission control promises and encouraging government regulation. Since states like California have created regulations or are working on creating them, companies are encouraging a federal government policy that is universal within all the 50 states. The companies however are not just interested in a cleaner environment or a universal policy to make paperwork easier, there profit involved:

“There is money in it, (federal regulation) too. If the American government adopts a cap-and-trade system, it will hand out permits to pollute. They are, in effect, cash. According to Paul Bledsoe of the National Commission on Energy Policy, those allowances are likely to be worth in the region of $40 billion. Companies therefore want to be involved in designing those regulations.”

“Irrational incandescence: People can’t be bothered to make easy energy savings.”

A Swedish power utility company, Vattenfall, is working on quantifying what ways of cutting carbon are cheaper. Insulation improvement, Fuel-efficient vehicles, Lighting system, Water heating, and sugar cane biofules, can both cut emissions and save money for people and business. However, the immediate savings are too small and the effort involved talks to much work, and electricity bills are too “boring” to think about. Also, people responsible for these changes may not have the knowledge or capital to make the initial investment to change.

“Sunlit uplands: Wind and solar power are flourish, thanks to subsidies.”

Worldwide, 13% of the world’s energy needs are supplied by renewable resources. The three biggest sources are currently geothermal, hydro-electric power, and biomass. However, these sources aren’t perfect. Geothermal energy is limited by geology. Hydro-electric power is limited by building dams, use of large amounts of land, and government participation in large-scale production. Biomass is limited by the expense of long-distance shipping and old technology. Wind and Solar energy become next best expandable renewable resources. Countries that currently engage in large scale use of solar power, include Germany, Denmark, and China. Advanced technology and economies of scale have both dramatically reduced the price of solar cell technology, thus making solar power a more viable option for consumers. As with all things in life, minor setbacks do occur. One such example was a recent shortage of silicon, which inflated the price of solar cells. The silver lining in that cloud is that it forces companies to invest in thin-cell technology, which uses much less silincon, which, overall, is better for the environment. Energy tariffs have also made renewable energy more complex than need be. Nevertheless, big energy players have begun to invest in renewable energies. Such companies include GE and BP. Another factor in the future of renewables is politics. Luckily, wind and solar energy is less politically-risky, and can thus be shielded from partisan strategy.

“Trading thin air: The carbon market is working, but not brining forth as much innovation as had been hoped.”

The carbon market is a place where traders can buy and sell non-carbon in the form of carbon credits. The purposes of the market are to establish a price for carbon and to allow companies to cheaply buy carbon credits. Carbon credits primarily come from two sources. The first is from corporate allowances. The second is certified clean mechanisms in developing countries. Such an example would include capturing methane gas from pig stool to create electricity. In fact, last year alone, developing countries accounted for 562 metric tons of CO₂[$5.33 billion] traded. China is an up and coming polluter, and appropriately, last year, purchased over $4billion worth of carbon credits. Europe is still having a tough time in cutting emissions, partly due to the continued use of coal.

“Boom” As security and climate concerns rise, nuclear power may be coming back.”

Nuclear energy in wealthy nations is responsible for a large chunk of energy: 18% in Britain, 19% in the U.S., and a whopping 80% in France. However, the nuclear society in America has been buzzing with activity of recent, for three reasons. First, the nuclear approval process was reformed in the 1990’s. Second, global warming has increased the need to find energies that emit less carbon dioxide. Third, the Energy Policy of 2005, which provided the nuclear industry with a tax credit, provided for $1.25 billion for innovative technologies, as well as another $2billion in insurance for regulatory issues. The application deadline is the end of next year, and so far 22 companies has applied to build 32 new nuclear plants. There are three problems that still remain. The first is waste removal. There is no long-term waste solution, but nuclear experts agree that waste can be safely stored in dry-storage casks surrounded by inert gases for about 100 years until a solution is found. Second, terrorism is still a worry. While plants are build strong enough to survive most routine attacks, plants can never be completely ready for innovate attacks. Third, costs for nuclear energy are higher than that of coal, by about 2KWH. However, new technologies may help to reduce the costs, and new plants with new technology appear to be the only viable way to gauge real-world cost savings.

“Dirty king coal: Scrubbing carbon from coal-fired power stations is possible but pricey.”

Statoil, a Norwegian oil company, collects oil, but doesn’t contribute to atmospheric global warming. This is because the company pumps the carbon dioxide back into the ground. This innovation, called Carbon Capturing and Storing, or CCS, is considered a quick fix for global warming. While standard pulverized coal can be burned more cleanly at higher temperatures, energy demands are too burdensome for this technology alone, which is why CCS is getting a closer look. CCS is currently being done in three places: Norway, Canada, and Algeria. According to the International Energy Agency, about 15 new CCS power plants have been approved for production. The abundant use of coal is a good reason to further investigate the use of CCS.

“The drive for low emissions: Car and fuel companies are investing in clean transport.”

Greenhouse emission cuts and fuel standards are beginning to toughen up. The EU has enacted mandatory fuel efficiency laws, and now more governments are following suit. In January 2007, California announced its goal to reduce carbon emissions from fuels by 10% by 2020. Hybrid cars, while a current quick fix, are not the answer, as their carbon savings will soon be offset by the overall increase in global car ownership. Some real changes have to take place. One change is ethanol, which gives off CO₂ , but, in theory, soaks it up through the plant’s photosynthesizing phase. There are three problems with ethanol. First, the market is currently limited. Most American cars can take E10 fuel [10% ethanol] but only about 6 million cars are currently “flex-fuel” ready, and can support E85 [85% ethanol]. Second, ethanol is expensive. While competitive with gasoline in price at the pump, subsidies cost the American taxpayer billions, and import tariffs keep out cheaper ethanol, such as that from Brazil which is made of sugar cane. Third, ethanol isn’t very green. Some experts believe that ethanol, due to its energy use for growth, releases more emissions than saves. Celluosic ethanol, or ethanol made from anything with cellulose in it, may be a better, greener ethanol. Other ideas that are still alive are electric and hydrogen cars. However, hydrogen is currently very expensive to produce, costs about the same as gas at the pump, and there are only 3 fueling stations in the world: one in Iceland, one in Washington, DC, and one opening in California. Hydrogen fueled cars cost about $1million to produce. Other ideas include cars ran on Lithium-Ion batteries, similar to those in laptop computers, only much bigger.

“The final cut: Business can do it, with government’s help.”

While green thinking has greatly increased over the past few years, more so in the last year alone, some worry that being green could be a trend that could die off. One risk could be the loss of greenness as fashionable. For example, it may only be a matter of time until Hollywood mega stars move one to the next big thing, and leave their hybrid cars behind. The second risk is oil prices. While they have been high for some time, if the price per barrel were to come crashing down, so would the hopes of expanding alternative energies. Third, politics can interfere. Companies are banking of alternative energy tax breaks and incentives to help. The best way to ensure that the green revolution becomes a permanent fixture and not a trend is to vote in officials who will continue to implement green policy, and to buy from companies who are committed to green ideologies. Carbon prices must be set, and the richest and developed countries must take the plunge to permanency before developing countries can follow suit.

“Fairfield v the valley: Two competing models for the clean-energy business.”

Venture capitalists of the internet boom of the 90’s are now trying their hands at alternative energies. At the other end of the spectrum are established companies looking for new markets in new energies. An example is GE and its Ecomagination campaign. While the venture capitalists claim that alternative energy is geared to small business, pointing out the number of small wind and solar powered farms, the alternative energy market is still dominated by incumbent companies who have the capital to move mountains and market new ideas.

SSC can help your organization understand what these new developments means for your organization and can assist your business in navigating the carbon market.

RESOURCES: Climate Change for Small Business

2007-06-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Individual small business owners often have difficulty imagining their role in managing climate for the simple reason that it's hard to measure climate impact on such a tiny scale. But the total climate-related impact (or "carbon footprint") of small businesses certainly add up. While your small business may produce actual greenhouse gas emissions, it certainly has an indirect impact on climate: electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation all translate into BTUs with global warming potential.

So begins Climate Change for Small Business, a background brief from ClimateBiz.com. This 5-ish page document outlines why small businesses should care about their contribution to climate change, steps for calculating a small business's climate change impact, and a list of resources for further information.

If you've seen An Inconvenient Truth but aren't quite sure what YOUR business can do to help combat climate change, this white paper is a great place to begin. Once you've read it, we're convinced that you'll want to take the next step in calculating your office's carbon footprint.

That's where we come in--Strategic Sustainability Consulting now offers Office Carbon Footprinting. In addition to measuring your climate change contribution, we'll also recommend ways to go carbon neutral in the most cost-effective and credible way possible.

Contact me at jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com or 202-470-3248 for more information--let's talk!

PEOPLE: Meet the SSC Summer Team

2007-06-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

We're so pleased to have a great team of research and marketing interns this summer--they are an amazing group of talented students and recent grads that are making a huge contribution to our work. Read on for their details...

Anders Edvardsen is a Norwegian MBA (strategic management) student living in New York. He also holds a MSc in Philosophy from Copenhagen Business School, with a minor degree in Sustainable Business. He has worked as a research assistant for a political / philosophical think tank in Copenhagen, as well as in marketing research for the Danish branch of the Nielsen Company. He is especially interested in organization wide strategic sustainability planning and the integration of sustainability issues into long term vision and core business practices.

Britt Hinchliff is currently a 4^th year student at the University of California- Berkeley studying Business Administration and Public Policy. Her interest in sustainability began 3 years ago when she realized that companies could actually be positive actors in the world and make a significant impact. She has experience in the business and non-profit sectors, and being born in Brazil and raised in Latin American, she speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese.

Christina Benz has a B.S. in Business-Marketing from Indiana University an MBA from The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She spent her MBA studies focusing on sustainable enterprise and won the Net Impact National Case Competition in 2006. She will spend this summer sizing up the sustainability "score card" for multiple North Carolina businesses and conducting research for strategic sustainability initiatives. Her enthusiastic approach, progressive market insights, blend of public and private sector expertise, and expansive network of experts and organizations help her clients generate business value by integrating sustainability into their marketing and overall business strategies.

Denise Buhrau, a native of Germany, is currently pursuing a PhD in Consumer Behavior and Marketing at Tulane University. She has an abiding interest in consumer judgment and decision making. Her interest in sustainability is based on her own acknowledgement of a discrepancy between environment-related behavior in the US and in Germany. Through her internship, she wants to understand and learn about sustainability-related issues at the practical level. Denise enjoys mountain biking, playing the drums, and conducting an orchestra.

Erik Rainey is a 2006 graduate of the University of Rochester where he studied Japanese Language and Culture and Political Science. He currently lives in Miyazaki, Japan teaching English to high school students as a part of the JET Program. Erik is a 2006 StartingBloc Fellow and is interested in pursuing a career in sustainability consulting.

Frankie Cheung studied computer science at NYU and has worked almost two years in a business management role for a technology division of Merrill Lynch. After watching Al Gore's documentary, "The Inconvenient Truth," Frankie became increasingly aware of the problems facing the world today. As a result, he is currently exploring the field of sustainability as one of the paths toward a rewarding career where one can contribute to the solutions of the some world's problems. Currently, he is interested in green building, ecological footprinting, and corporate responsibility reporting.

Rose Carbonell is currently an MA candidate of Florida State University and will be graduating in just a few months. She's from Brazil, where she worked for Philips Electronics in the Social Sustainability department. Her job in Brazil allowed Rose to work with many non-profit organizations and in many ways changed her goals in life. Now, she would like to use her skills to help build a better world.

Scott Kleiman has spent summers pruning vineyards and building pig-pens as a farmhand at Spannocchia, an organic farm in Italy, and teaching teens about food, nutrition, and cooking at the youth development organization Brainfood in Washington, D.C. He graduated cum laude from Middlebury College in 2006 with a degree in political science and was Spring 2007 Fellow at the StartingBloc Institute for Social Innovation. While an undergraduate, Scott cooked for Dolci, Middlebury's Student-Run Restaurant, sat on Community Council, and was an active member of Ross Commons.

NEWS: Employee Volunteer Programs Help Companies Gain Competitive Advantage

2007-05-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Deloitte & Touche USA LLP recently conducted a survey entitled 2007 IMPACT, which studied Generation Y employees (ages 18-26) and community service. The conclusion is that Generation Y employees have a strong desire to engage in community service, and want employers to offer time and opportunities to do community service. The survey found the following:

62% want to work for companies that give them opportunities to engage in community service.
80% identify as volunteers.
74% state they do volunteer work to give back to the community or to fulfill a personal desire to give back.
82% believe volunteer work helps build leadership skills.
26% stated that community service engagements were mentioned at their job recruitment.

So how does your employee volunteer program stack up?

NEWS: Legislating Corporate Social Change

2007-05-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

The next step in getting companies to create, integrate, and execute CSR practices could be congressional legislation. With bi-partisan support, S. 367, entitled “Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act” has been sponsored by Senator Dorgan [D-ND] and Senator Graham [R-SC]. The bill would allow private plaintiffs and retailers to sue corporations that engage in unfair competition and/or deceptive trade practices by receiving products from sweatshops. Furthermore, the bill would prohibit sweatshop goods from being imported into the United States. The bill would provide for monetary damages, attorney’s fees, injunctive relief, FTC investigations, and the public publishing of corporate violators. As of now, the bill has only been introduced in the Senate. Only time will decide the fate of the bill. Learn more here.

RESOURCES: WeBreatheGreen.com

2007-05-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

As our network of contacts grows, we've recently run across several companies with super cool products and services. Not only do they make use of cutting edge technology and capitalize on the Web 2.0 social media frenzy, they also offer great ways to learn more about how people are thinking about the environment.

So with much enthusiasm, I encourage you to check out Peacock Nine and their WeBreatheGreen tool. Here's a summary from their Vice President, Leila-Scott Mitchell:

Peacock Nine is a boutique consumer research and strategy consulting firm based here in Chicago and Shanghai. Our goal is to help close the gap between companies/decision-makers and their customers/consumers so that they can place safer “bets” (product portfolio, pricing, communications, organizational strategies, etc.) that are aligned with the unmet needs of those they serve. While we conduct traditional market research (focus groups, surveys, etc.) we are also leading the revolution when it comes to creative consumer research by continually adding to and revising our suite of online research tools.

Philosophically, we are a team of creative, ravenously curious individuals who believe in helping our stakeholders fulfill their personal passions. My personal passion, for instance, is to make a positive and lasting contribution to the “Green Movement”! Our latest foray into helping our clients understand the green world is www.WeBreatheGreen.com.

WeBreatheGreen is an online community of eco-conscious individuals who are willing to share their voices regarding the “green” marketplace (product ideas, packaging preferences, best practices, messaging refinement, etc.), ultimately serving as advisors to decision-makers who understand the importance of their customer’s/consumer’s opinion. The benefit of utilizing a Customer Cabinet^TM such as WeBreatheGreen is continual access to an otherwise “expensive” sample, longitudinal data collection and consumer-driven insights for a fraction of the cost of traditional market research. In short, a community like WeBreatheGreen gives our client’s significant competitive advantage by tapping into the collective intelligence of their existing and potential customers/consumers.

I love the idea of tapping into the mind of the eco-conscious individual--what a cool way to help keep the Green Movement chugging along!

EVENT: Webinar - Principles of Sustainability

2007-04-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Right now, there are many changes occurring in the world, the most obvious is climate change and the new mainstream attention towards sustainability. There are dozens of frameworks and strategies for dealing with these changes, and yet there is little discussion about the meaning of sustainability for individuals and organizations. If we want to move in a sustainable direction we must first understand what it means at a basic level: what is sustainability in principle, and how can we develop technologies and cultures that are sustainable? As business leaders, we have an important role in shaping the emerging paradigm. This presentation will focus on understanding principles for sustainability so that we can design from a whole systems perspective and truly be creative.

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to offer "Principles of Sustainability", an interactive webinar designed to help participants understand a conceptual model for sustainability so that our decisions are rooted in conscious actions. In this 90-minute event, you’ll learn:

¨ A basic understanding of how you interact within our global system and how this is critical for developing strategic sustainability plans

¨ Key questions to investigate in your life and organization

¨ How to bring alive the creativity within you to develop truly sustainable practices, cultures and systems

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to have Miriam Karell and Ingrid Jacobson facilitate this workshop. Miriam Karell is a sustainability strategist and the founder of Three Point Vision, a company that inspires business leaders to integrate community, creativity and consciousness into their daily operations. Ingrid Jacobson is an experienced educator and facilitator for teams and individuals. She is currently consulting with Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland, CA to develop a long term sustainability strategy for their "green collar" jobs campaign.

Cost: $50

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

RESOURCES: The Search for Green Is Over

2007-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Watch out Google, Yahoo, and Ask.com, you’re about to get a dose of green power. Greenmaven.com is a green search engine which allows users to search for websites which incorporate social and environmental values. Using co-op technology based on Google's search engine, Greenmaven.com is able to make searches quick and relevant. Launched in 2006 by green MBA graduates, Greenmaven.com’s mission is to “make it easy for mainstream to go green.” Founder Joey Sheep states, “People want to go green, but they often don't know where to start or even what questions to ask." Now, seekers have a place to go, and making it onto Time.com’s list of the top 10 best websites of 2006 will help users go green.

EVENT: Webinar - Creating a Family Friendly Workplace

2007-04-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Job sharing, telecommuting, and even lactation rooms—companies all over America are instituting policies and programs that benefit employees with children. Family-friendly benefits not only make working parents happy, but they also improve job efficiency and reduce employee turnover.

Employees are seeking out organizations that have better work-life balance policies, and organizations stuck in the old model are losing out on talent and productivity. But how exactly do you create a "family friendly" workplace?

SSC is pleased to offer Creating a Family Friendly Workplace, an interactive "webinar" focusing on simple and cost-effective ways to assist working parents while also improving productivity and job performance. This webinar will cover:

-- The benefits of a family friendly workplace for both employees and your organization.

-- The key policies involved with making your workplace “family friendly” and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

-- Resources to help you make smart policy decisions and examples of successes in workplaces

-- How to not leave out the single/childless employees, and ways a "family friendly office" can benefit all employees.

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to have Lori Kitchen facilitate this workshop. Lori is SSC’s Special Projects Manager and will be receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from American University. Along with her B.A. she is also receiving a special certificate from AU’s Women and Politics Institute in Women and Politics, Policy, and Political Leadership. Lori is a member of the Women & Politics Institute's Young Women Leaders Board Political Training Program. As such, Lori is very interested in women in the work place and has devoted much of her study to the topic of family friendly workplaces and work-life balance.

Cost: $35

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

Space is limited to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

NEWS: Green Energy for Your Home

2007-04-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

Mike Tidwell of Takoma Park. Maryland has decided to go green. Tidwell has outfitted his home with solar panels on the roof, soy-based insulation, a corn-burning stove, and energy efficient appliances. Concerned about his contribution to greenhouse gases, Tidwell has made great strides to reduce his carbon footprint. Tidwell said to the Washington Post, “"I'm not living in a cave and freezing to death. The point is, this is do-able." What happens on cloudy days when Tidwell can’t collect enough solar power? Simple. Tidwell also has backup power connected to his home from Washington’s energy supplier PEPCO. PEPCO has green alternatives to “standard” electricity. Buyers can choose from 100% wind-generated energy or 100% green-electricity.

This wave of “greening” the home isn’t just restricted to Tidwell. Washington area-based Chesapeake Wind&Solar, a company that installs solar panels, has seen business double every year for the last three years.

Tidwell hold open houses every two months to showcase his green home to others interested in the community. What does Tidwell have to say to the world? "There are people who say it cannot be done. I've done it, and I've done it on a budget, and I have a great life."

RESOURCES: CSE Knowledge Bank

2007-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Center for Sustainable Enterprise [CSE] Knowledge Bank is a new resource for those seeking information on sustainability. This is a FREE resource offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler's Center for Sustainable Enterprise. The articles include scholarly research on a wide array of topics, including, but not limited to, design for sustainability, microfinance, sustainable tourism. CSE runs an MBA program on sustainable enterprise, and thus is at the forefront of the research. It’s free…and did we mention that it’s free!

EVENT: Webinar: Sustainability and The Natural Step (TNS)

2007-03-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Right now, there are many changes occurring in the world: the most obvious is climate change and the new mainstream attention towards sustainability. The word ‘sustainability’ is being used in so many different contexts: in the media, in business settings, on the street, etc. How do we as individuals or businesses make sense of all the new information? How do we know what choices to make today that will actually lead us towards a sustainable future?

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to offer Sustainability and The Natural Step (TNS), an interactive webinar designed to help participants understand the concept of sustainability using a scientific, holistic, and internationally-recognized framework. This 90-minute workshop will use The Natural Step (TNS) Framework to:

¨ Provide a basic understanding of how you interact within our global system and how this is critical for developing strategic sustainability plans

¨ Identify leverage points for influencing change in our complex world

¨ Bring alive the creativity within you to develop truly sustainable practices, cultures and systems

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to have Miriam Karell and Ingrid Jacobson facilitate this workshop. Miriam Karell is a sustainability strategist and the President of Three Point Vision, a company that inspires business leaders to integrate community, creativity and consciousness into their daily operations. Ingrid Jacobson is an experienced educator and facilitator for teams and individuals. She is currently consulting with Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland, CA to develop a long term sustainability strategy for their "green collar" jobs campaign.

Cost: $50

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

RESOURCES: Domestic Violence and the Workplace

2007-03-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

A growing number of community activists and human resource managers feel that domestic violence is everyone’s problem. A growing number of non profit organizations are working with companies to help stop and prevent domestic violence against both men and women. Domestic violence affects the productivity of the worker being violated, and thus curbing the violence “is good for the bottom line,” states Barbra Marlow, a Boston lawyer. Though Ms. Marlow contends that it is “not the business of business to get involved in employees’ lives.”

If a fellow worker is the victim of domestic violence, there are a few tips to help them cope, but we stress that professional help is always advised:

Give the worker a parking spot near a door.
Remove his or her name from the dial-by-name phone directory. "You don't want the batterer to use your company's resources to harass your employee," notes Barbara Marlowe of law firm Mintz Levin.
Offer a flexible schedule, since stalkers track people's whereabouts and movements. "Our most predictable habits are around our work schedule," Marlowe says.
If the employee sits at a reception desk or by a big first-floor window, relocate the person to another floor or an interior space. If you have satellite facilities, consider letting the worker set up more than one office.
Provide security guards with a photo of the abuser. "The guy might show up with flowers, and somebody could direct him right to her office," Marlowe says.
Listen to your employee. Don't make changes without his or her consent. Be discreet and helpful, but don't force the person to take any protective steps.

Read the whole article here.

WHY WE LOVE: Seventh Generation

2007-03-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

Seventh Generation is a company that specializes in non-toxic, environmentally friendly products. The name came from a Native American employee, who said his Iroquois tribe believed that people must consider their impact for seven generations. The company states, “It's a name that embraces not only who we are and what we stand for today, but our hopes for the future as well.”

Why do we love them? Their products are eco-friendly, and work well. Seventh Generation offers products ranging from household items [non-toxic household cleaners, biodegradable laundry detergent, and recycled toilet paper and paper towels] to personal care [feminine care products and baby wipes and specially-formulated baby detergent]

Seventh Generation is also committed to supplying customers with valuable resources, especially on their website, about recycling, toxins, chemical additives, a Green Living section, and how the individual consumer can affect change.

One of the most interesting resources is the “Making a Difference” section of the website, where users can learn about current environmental issues in an easy to digest format. Don’t quite understand the mechanics behind global warming? Seventh Generation breaks it down for an easy read. Want to get involved in making a difference? Learn about Earth Day celebrations, as well as find links to other action-oriented companies. On June 9^th, 2006, Seventh Generation was awarded the “Pioneer of Precaution” award by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ), Environmental Research Foundation (ERF) and Science and Environmental Health Network (SEHN).

JOBS: Summer Internships at Strategic Sustainability Consulting

2007-03-12T08:08:00.001-07:00

We're looking for 3 summer interns to help on a variety of sustainability topics. If you believe you might be a good fit with our objectives (see below), please send your CV and a cover letter to info@sustainabilityconsulting.com, indicating the position for which you'd like to be considered. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

These internships are for 15-25 hours/week for June-August, and may be conducted remotely (although DC-based interns are preferred). A small stipend will be offered, along with a performance-based bonus. This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in getting into the sustainability consulting field, but who can't make a full-time commitment.

Marketing Intern

How do you market a small consultancy to worldwide clients? How do you take advantage of e-based "webinars" to reach clients who wouldn't normally be able to benefit from expert sustainability advice? We're looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and sensible Marketing Intern to review our marketing strategy so far, and to design a plan going forward. This is a position ideally suited to a graduate student (or mid-career changer) with previous marketing experience. It will be a largely self-directed project, so applicants should be self-motivated and be capable of exploring option with minimal hand-holding.

Research Interns (2)

The SSC Research Interns will work closely with lead consultants to provide background material for ongoing consulting projects. Past assignments have included researching stakeholder engagement in the mining industry, creating case studies on "green" supply chains, and developing surveys for employee satisfaction. If you have strong research and analysis skills, and can quickly gather and summarize data into its salient points, this is a great opportunity to dabble in a variety of sustainability topics.

RESOURCES: How Green Is Your Meeting?

2007-03-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Now, your company can measure its environmental impact, thanks to a new service called the MeetGreen Calculator. This web-based service allows anyone to measure their meeting practices against green best practices. MeetGreen Calculator will give the user help in meeting these green standards. Examples include having attendees walk or use mass transit, buying food locally and donate left-overs to local food banks, using reusable cups and large-capacity water jugs rather than individual water bottles, and the like.

The results can lead to cost reduction, waste reduction, helping local communities, and the environment. The MeetGreen Calculator was recently used at the World Urban Forum. Ginny Stratton of Globe Foundation of Canada stated, “We are ecstatic to know that the host of practices we employed resulted in the highest possible MeetGreen rating and hope that the results of our efforts will create a legacy for future organizers of the World Urban Forum.” Some major companies that have employed the MeetGreen Calculator are the Sierra Club, US Green Building Council, Globe Foundation of Canada and the Business for Social Responsibility.

Why We Love: The Fruit Guys

2007-03-05T15:46:00.001-08:00

Who doesn’t love fruit? It tastes good, and is essential to a healthy life. So how can employers make their employees healthier, and thus happier and more productive? Simple! As Marie Antoinette would say in the 21^st century: Let them eat fruit! The Fruit Guys, founded in 1998, can supply your company with an ample supply of various fruits. Employers can order in weekly or bi-weekly shipments. There are currently three different types of orders. “The Harvest Flyer” is an assortment of various fruits, depending on seasonality. They include strawberries, peaches, pears, grapes, apples, plums, kiwis, blood oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, bananas, apricots, and oranges. “The Staples” is the second type of order, which includes bananas, oranges, and apples. The apples usually vary for more of a variety. The third option is the “The Organic,” of whose contents are similar to “The Harvest Flyer,” but all fruits are certified organic, and are harvested by sustainable agriculture, and are pesticide free. All shipments are earth-friendly. The crates are eco-friendly, and can be recycled.

Check them out at www.fruitguys.com

NEWS: Lack of Incentives Prevent Employees Going Green at Work

2007-02-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

It appears that UK employees are looking to their employers to lead the social responsible movement by example. This comes in major contrast to individual efforts at home to ease the environmental footprint. At home, 91% of the UK public turn off lights not in use, and 54% use only enough water for what they need, whereas only 10% of employees employ such practices. This could be the result of the 43% who believe that their employers talk the socially responsible talk, but don’t walk it. An astonishing 49% of employees believe that their employers waste too much electricity, and 37% of employees said they would like more job-training on being environmentally friendly.

Chris Gabriel, head of Solutions Marketing, Logistics UK, believes, “This research shows that 2007 must be the year for turning well-meaning talk into action.” UK Logistics, along with a government environmental charity Global Action Plan, recommends some key steps in getting companies to get their employees to follow suit:

Incentives – companies need to offer employees incentives to bring environmental actions into the workplace. These include, but are not limited to, a better work-life balance, and energy saving profit sharing. Governments should also offer tax incentives to companies working to become green. This will help jump start compliance.
Leadership – employers must show commitment to environmental responsibility before employees will themselves commit. Employees are less likely to follow through if they know their employers don’t care.
Innovation – Besides traditional approaches to environmental responsibility, like recycling, employers should invest in better building design, or automatic heating and cooling systems.
Technology – employing strategies like eco-friendly kettles which use less energy to heat up, or video conferencing, which reduces employee travel, can help employers cut costs and save the environment.
Education – teaching employees about environmental responsibility, as well as encouraging eco-friendly attitudes and practices at work. This includes small steps like putting computers in “stand-by” or “hibernating” modes to big steps like employee seminars.

By following these ideas, companies can better themselves and their employees. Read more here.

VIEWS: Measuring CSR

2007-02-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

How do we measure corporate social responsibility? Sir Andrew Likierman, Professor of Management Practice in Accounting and Acting Dean at London Business School, recently wrote about the topic. Titled, “Acting ethically - and being able to prove it,” Likierman argues that since companies set the CSR tone, there is no agreed upon definition. Likierman believes that in order to measure success, company CSR goals must be matched against their relative successes.

Likierman has four ways to approach such measurement:

First, companies must link CSR goals to tangible objectives that can be met, such as the amount of money invested in internal or social programs, or by financial performance.
Second, measures must be actionable and linked to outcomes. They should be broken down into informative levels that can be measured against external, established measures and successes.
Third, measurements should be based on credible data. Measures should be clear, and based over a long period of time to ensure transparency.
Fourth, recognition of measurement limitations. A good measurement framework is essential for credible measurements, but it isn't always sufficient to capture the intangible value of CSR.

We couldn't agree more.

NEWS: In the War for Talent, Good Companies Finish First

2007-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Good Search, a search practice that works to recruit for companies that attempt to be better businesses, recently released a survey about companies that are embracing social responsibility, and how employees feel about socially responsible companies. The survey results emphasize what Strategic Sustainability Consulting already preaches: social responsibility pays --in dividends.

Almost all respondents stated they would like to work for a successful company that was also “good.” About 92% stated they would trust a “good” employer, and would feel better and happier about themselves if they worked for a “good” company. However, only 36% of the respondents felt that they currently worked for a “good” company that had established corporate social responsibility reports. Furthermore, 9% felt that they worked for “bad” company with dubious ethics. Also, 91% believe that working for a “good” company reflects positively on them, as well as reinforces their ethical ideals. About 68% felt that having a “bad” company on their resume would reflect poorly on them and their careers.

A “good” company was defined by the following: Positive Work Environment (92% ), Family Friendly Benefits (73%), Profit-Sharing (67%), Superior Wages (59%), Superior Benefits (58%) and Wage Fairness (44%). Of the respondents, 44% wanted to work for an environmentally friendly company, and 37% wanted to work for a company that made socially responsible goods.

There is a growing population of workers who want to work for socially responsible companies. As the business environment shifts, the best way for companies to retain their employees, and attract qualified applicants, companies, if not already, should begin to focus on becoming more socially responsible.

NEWS: Green Transportation Trends

2007-02-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

There are many exciting green transportation trends currently underway.

One is PHH GreenFleet, a project created out of PHH Avral and Environmental Defense. PHH GreenFleet is a pilot program helping companies reduce greenhouse emissions among fleet vehicles. This is done by measuring and analyzing emission levels, and helping companies to reduce emissions through recommendations and implementation of better practices, quarterly measurement and reporting, and tools to offset remaining emissions. GreenFleet is currently helping Abbott Laboratories to reduce its emissions by 10% by 2010.

Furthermore, dirty diesel just got a cleanup. The diesel industry says it has met regulatory standards, allowing new 2007 diesel truck models to emit 90% less emissions than their 2006 counterparts. After billions of research and development, new diesel trucks employ ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel [ULSD], which also helps to reduce Nitrogen Oxide [NOx] emissions, at a mere 15ppm sulfur content rather than the old 500ppm content. These new trucks must meet their low-emission requirements for at least 435,000 miles. This cleaner fuel opens the doors for a wide array of applications in both commercial and individual uses.

A study by the National Biodiesel Board reported that the American Biodiesel industry will add $24 billion to the US economy between 2005 and 2015, with growth reaching 650 million gallons by 2015. The board also reports that Biodiesel will keep $13.6 billion in America that would otherwise be spent on foreign oil. The study also finds that 498 million of the 650 million gallons will be produced from soybean oil. As of 2006, there are 88 plants in America producing about 200-250 million gallons of Biodiesel, nearly triple the levels of 2005.

Also, General Motors, in a partnership with General Electric Plastics, has planned to create the Chevrolet Volt. The Volt will reach 40mpg on an electric engine, and will be created out of materials that will reduce part weight by 50%. These technologies will reduce fuel consumption, will release less carbon dioxide, and improve overall performance. GreenOrder, an independent environmental strategy firm, verified GM’s claims, and found that if 3.2 million passenger vehicles were made with these standards and technologies, greenhouse emissions would be reduced by 194,000 tons and save more than 20 million gallons of oil each year.

Finally, the word on the street is that Biomethane can be a saving grace. Made from organic wastes, and having the same chemical composition of natural gas, Biomethane can help clean up the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Biomethane can be made out of animal, food, and municipal wastes, production is not affected by oil price/production swings, and can be pumped into existing natural gas pipe lines. Furthermore, Biomethane can also be formed into liquefied natural gas [LNG], or compressed natural gas [CNG] which can be used in vehicles running on natural gas, of which there are currently about 5 million worldwide. Biomethane can also be used as a renewable hydrogen source [chemical CH4].

WHY WE LOVE: CakeLove

2007-02-09T13:59:00.001-08:00

Whether it is at a birthday party, graduation, wedding, or just because, everyone loves cake. However, the good people at Warren Brown’s CakeLove take the enjoyment of cake to the next level. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland and U Street in DC, CakeLove is a “green” cake enthusiasts dream.

Warren Brown left his life as a lawyer and founded CakeLove in 2002. With a deep passion for baking Brown has found success in his passion while including selection of “green label” cakes. Brown’s green label cakes include: Vegan; Gluten-free; Reduced-fat; and All Natural Sugars.

On top of their health conscious cake choices, CakeLove also offers classes in baking and decorating. They even have classes specifically tailored to the hearing impaired with an ASL certified interpreter.

CakeLove also works with charities, specifically Kid Power DC. Now people with a socially responsible sweet tooth can have their cake and eat it too! Check it out at CakeLove.

EVENT: DC Workshop – Becoming a Sustainability Champion in Your Organization

2007-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to announce that DC Net Impact is co-sponsoring this event, and will be raffling off 8 spots for this workshop series.

But what about at work?

You might not be in a position to dramatically change the direction of your organization, but you can have a positive influence on the environmental and social impact of day-to-day operations. That's where Strategic Sustainability Consulting can help. In this 4-week webinar series, you'll discover how to become a "sustainability champion" in your organization:

Learn how to bring your personal values to the office in a positive, energizing way
Convince your bosses that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is worthy of their time
Determine the most important and strategic areas for an initial CSR program
Implement a tracking program that truly measures progress towards sustainability

Each session is a 90-minute interactive workshop, where you'll gain a basic understanding of the topic, hear from an expert in the field, and have an opportunity to ask questions. These workshops are perfect for recent graduates and young professionals—those employees who have the passion, but not the decision-making authority, to tackle the challenges of organizational sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Week 1 (March 6): Bringing Your Values to Work

Don't feel frustrated by the disparity between your personal values and your day-to-day workload! Very few of us actually have jobs where we're directly making the world a better place, but that doesn't mean you can't bring a spirit of positive social change to work with you each morning. We'll help you find a balance between your daily to-do list and the larger passions that motivate you to get up each morning.

Week 2 (March 13): Convincing Management That CSR Is Important

Unless you're in the top tier of management, it's unlikely that you can unilaterally introduce policies and programs to improve your organization's social and environmental impact. But by convincing your bosses that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a good business investment, you can get the support you need to make some real changes. We'll show you how to make the business case for corporate social responsibility to your top management.

Week 3 (March 20): Building a CSR Program

Once you've gotten management buy-in, the next step is to start developing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. In this session, you'll learn how to conduct a "sustainability audit" to determine your organization's key social and environmental impacts, simple ways to start introducing CSR policies and programs, and low-cost strategies to energize your colleagues.

Week 4 (March 27): Tracking and Communicating Progress

A key part of any successful CSR program (no matter how small) is measuring and communicating your progress. Whether you're measuring pounds of recycled paper or hours of employee volunteerism, having hard data can make the difference between getting additional support (and recognition) and a sputtering enthusiasm. We'll show you how to set up your goals for maximum effect, what metrics to track, and easy ways to create internal and external CSR communications that inspire and energize stakeholders.

Date: Every Tuesday in March

Time: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST

Location: CAAB Offices, 1801 K Street NW

Directions: 1 block from Farragut North—Red Line, 2 blocks from Farragut West—Orange/Blue Line

Cost: $250 (or $75 per individual session)*

Sign up at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click events)

* Ask your company if they will pay for these classes—it's part of your professional development, and by educating you on this important topic they will be helping themselves become more responsible corporate citizens!

** Also note: there is an online version of this event that happens the day after the in-person workshop. If you are able to attend some in person, but need to also attend some on the web, send us an email at info@sustainabilityconsulting.com and we can work out an arrangement.

VIEWS: What Makes An Accountable Supply Chain

2007-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

We've talked recently about the importance of ethical supply chains. Now, I'd like to share more about SSC's approach to supply chain management, and the three components we consider to be critical in creating a successful and accountable procurement plan:

Policies – the first step in creating a “green supply chain” is to identify the key environmental impacts of your products/services and create a policy that specifically addresses those areas. For example, if your company makes electrical components (e.g. semiconductors), then your key environmental impacts during the production process are a) toxic chemical use during production, b) energy use, and c) water use. So your policy should explicitly address the need to find eco-friendly alternatives for those areas. Whereas, if you are a basic office (without manufacturing), then your key environmental impacts have to do with land/building use and office supplies. Your policy then should deal specifically with infrastructure (green building, etc.), energy, and office materials.

Programs – the next step is to set up a purchasing program that integrates traditional metrics (price, quality) with environmental (and sometimes social) indicators. There are a variety of ways to do this, and we specialize in helping our clients figure out a way to maximize their eco-priorities without sacrificing material availability and profitability. There is also a component of marketing here, since consumers will often pay a premium for eco-products, and this should factor into the purchasing program’s structure.

Performance – the final step is to actually implement the program, and here is where we provide supply chain auditing services. Sometimes we review suppliers that are already being used, to judge whether they are meeting the policy’s goals. Other times we seek out new suppliers, especially when the supply chain is not already well-established. Ideally, any committed company factors in an annual review of their suppliers, to ensure that their policy/program is working correctly, and here we help too.

If your organization is ready to take a look at its supply chain from a social and environmental responsibility veiwpoint, please email me at jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for a free consultation. Getting started is easier than you think!

EVENT: Webinar: Caring for Creation (Sustainability for Faith Communities)

2007-02-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Climate change, the conflict in Sudan, poverty—faith communities are increasingly turning their attention to "big" issues surrounding ecological stewardship, social justice, community service. But while most spiritual groups acknowledge the imperative to "care for creation", figuring out how to get started and how to maximize their group's effectiveness can be challenging.

SSC is pleased to offer Caring for Creation, an interactive "webinar" focusing on simple and cost-effective ways to help your faith community in its journey towards environmental and social responsibility. In this 90-minute presentation, you'll learn:

¨ Key social and environmental issues where faith communities can have an impact.

¨ Practical tips about choosing which issues to focus on.

¨ Suggestions for setting up volunteer programs for maximum long-term effectiveness.

¨ A list of SSC's favorite resources and relevant case studies.

Cost: $60

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

Space is limited to 20 people to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

EVENT: Webinar - CSR 101 for Entrepreneurs

2007-02-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Even though the business value of CSR has been well established, it's often overlooked by entrepreneurs with a new business idea. That's a grave mistake, because a strong CSR program can help you cut costs, enhance brand awareness, access new sources of venture capital, improve customer loyalty, and set your business apart from larger competitors.

That's why we're pleased to offer Corporate Social Responsibility 101 for Entrepreneurs, an interactive webinar about the opportunities and challenges associated with social and environmental responsibility for new business ideas. In an hour-and-a-half, we'll cover:

¨ A general overview of corporate social responsibility, and why it's valuable to entrepreneurs.

¨ Key CSR issues, including energy efficiency, labor standards, product safety, and corporate governance.

¨ Simple and low-cost ways to demonstrate your commitment to "good business ethics".

¨ Metrics to track your progress, and how to measure the value of your CSR programs.

¨ Ways to publicize your efforts to maximize the financial rewards of corporate citizenship.

The webinar is hosted by Jennifer K. Woofter, president of Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC), a Washington, D.C. based company that specializes in providing under-resourced organizations with the tools and expertise needed to manage their social and environmental impacts. Using a combination of traditional strategic planning techniques and cutting-edge sustainable development knowledge, we offer clients a highly customized approach to bridging the gap between values and performance.

Sign-Up at www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click Events)

EVENT: Webinar - Creating an "Green" Supply Chain

2007-02-04T09:05:00.001-08:00

Purchasing decisions have a significant impact on an organization's environmental footprint. As more and more companies seek to buy eco-friendly supplies, the opportunities for "green" supply chains have expanded as well. But with so many different choices, how do you know which products to choose, and what suppliers to buy from?

SSC is pleased to offer "Green" Purchasing, an interactive "webinar" focusing on simple and cost-effective ways to make your procurement system as eco-friendly as possible. In this 60-minute presentation, you'll learn:

¨ Key environmental impacts in the procurement chain.

¨ Practical tips about setting up a green procurement policy.

¨ Suggestions for selecting environmentally-friendly suppliers.

¨ A list of SSC's favorite green suppliers and relevant case studies.

Cost: $50

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

EVENT: Webinar - Greening Your IT

2007-01-31T08:48:00.000-08:00

Information technology is an essential component of every organization’s infrastructure, but also an area with significant environmental impacts. E-waste in landfills, toxic chemicals from computers and peripherals, rising energy costs and climate change emissions—these are all problems you can’t afford to ignore. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate your impacts.

SSC is pleased to offer Greening Your IT, an interactive "webinar" focusing on simple and cost-effective ways to make your organization's information technology systems as eco-friendly as possible. In this 60-minute presentation, you'll learn:

¨ The key environmental impacts associated with information technology.

¨ Specific ways to minimize your IT impacts through green purchasing programs and energy saving measures.

¨ Resources to help you make smart IT decisions that minimize your environmental impact, save you money, and help brand your organization as a good corporate citizen.

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is pleased to have Michelle Bishop as this webinar's guest speaker. As head of Bishop Communications, Michelle has spent fourteen years providing communications, training, and technical services to customers in the not-for-profit, government, and corporate business sectors. She’s also an expert in the environmental impacts of the IT industry and can speak to the variety of options in eco-friendly IT innovation.

Cost: $60

Register at: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click "Events")

Why We Love: Interface, Inc.

2007-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of postings under the category "why why love". It gives us the opportunity to highlight companies that have gone beyond basic corporate social responsibility expectations and are embracing the idea that sustainability can create business value. Let us know if there's a company we should include!

Interface Inc. is a leader in creation and marketing of modular carpet, broadloom carpet, panel fabrics, and upholstery fabrics targeted for office environments. Based out of LaGrange, GA, Interface began in 1974 and now has grown into the leader in sales of modular carpet. With manufacturing plants and several offices all over the world, Interface is a powerful company with a strong hold on their market.

So why do we love them? Because Interface has announced its Mission Zero plan, to eliminate any negative impacts their company has on the environment by 2020. Interface states that they wish:

To be the first company that, by it’s deeds, shows the entire industrial world what sustainability is in all its dimensions: People, process, products, place, and profits by 2020—and in doing so we will become restorative through the power of influence.

Interface has an elaborate action plan for how to accomplish their goals. One of the steps they are taking is to use renewable materials for all their products. They also plan to work to re-claim customers' used products.

Interface is taking a pro-active view of their eco-future, find out more and read their sustainability report at Interface, Inc.

VIEWS: Ethical Supply Chain Trends for 2007

2007-01-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

VIEWS: Ethical Supply Chain Trends for 2007

The following predictions come from an article in the Responsible Sourcing blog, and while it didn't come straight from my own brain I can't agree more with their forecast.

Trend One: Supplier Ownership

More and more companies are looking to engage suppliers in creating sustainable improvements that will positively impact the lives and conditions of workers. To do so, brands and buyers are promoting the adoption of management systems that will help suppliers run more efficiently as well as manage social compliance issues in a planned and organized manner.

Trend Two: Collaboration

Brand and retailer initiatives continue to emerge with the goal of fostering collaborative approaches to responsible sourcing. Following in the footsteps of the Fair Labor Association and the Ethical Trading Initiative, there is also the Business Social Compliance Initiative in Europe, l'Initiative Clause Sociale in France, and CSC9000t in China. Some initiatives focus around sharing assessment results and working together to promote improvements in like-supply chains…[and] more and more stakeholder initiatives are emerging that are sector-specific, including the Electronics Industry Code of Conduct program, the Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices, and the Framework for Responsible Mining.

Trend Three: Convergence

As brands and retailers increasingly sign-up to these initiatives, we can hope for a converging of some of the many standards and programs into a few. The ETI, once thought of as a UK-based initiative, now boasts an increasing number of non-UK members, including the U.S.-based Gap, Inc. Many members of the ETI have chosen to adopt the ETI Base Code as the code of conduct used in their supply chains, in order to use an existing multi-stakeholder code that promotes the use of a common industry code. In fact, the Body Shop forewent their previously developed code to adopt the ETI code and promote the concept of a universal code of conduct. The Gap recently announced their intention to do the same.

The article has more examples (mostly from a UK perspective), and I highly recommend the whole thing. And stay tuned for another entry later this week on SSC's approach to supply chain management, where we'll explore how small and medium-size organizations can implement sustainable supply chains.

RESOURCES: Making an Employee Handbook

2007-01-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest challenges facing small business is finding the balance between flexibility and formality—between innovation and stability. When is it okay to fly by the seat of your pants, and when are rules and guidelines necessary for success?

While each situation is different, one area is clear: when it comes to managing a successful workplace, an employee handbook is essential. And this article from Inc. will show you how to go about constructing a solid handbook that benefits you and your employees.

An employee handbook should explain more than rules. It offers you the opportunity to set expectations and communicate your company's mission and culture as well. What is an employee handbook? Is it the rules you expect your employees to follow? Is it a marketing piece designed for future employees? Or does it provide a roadmap to make business decisions that impact employees? It all depends on the message you want to deliver.

What should you include? The article suggests the following outline to get you started:

-- Introduction

-- Employment Policies

-- Employee Conduct

-- Compensation

-- Benefits

-- Leaves of Absence

-- Health and Safety

-- Employment Separation

Read the article for more information, and get started on your employee handbook today!

VIEWS: Finding Work-Life Balance

2007-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about work-life balance lately, both in a personal and professional sense. There's just something about the start of the New Year that makes me take stock. This year in particular, I'm inspired to do more at work (SSC's new "webinars" are my latest endeavor) AND take more time for myself (I've made a commitment with a good friend to visit a museum once a month). But I'm finding that there's rarely enough time to do both.

I'm not the only one struggling with work-life balance, but at least it looks like more workers are getting the chance to take an active role in the endeavor. According to a recent Inc article:

More professionals are finding a way to achieve work-life balance without giving up pay…Seeking a better work-life balance, more and more mid- and senior-level professional women are successfully negotiating flexible work schedules without cutting back income.

And it looks like women are particularly benefiting from flexible work arrangements:

Of more than 400 female workers polled nationwide, more than 90 percent said they have opted for flexible work arrangements at some point in their careers, including telecommuting, flexible hours, or simply limiting tasks that require working evenings or travel. A full 88 percent said flexible work arrangements allowed them to continue working full-time despite managing complex personal lives.

It's not just low-paying work, either. About 85 percent of the survey's respondents were responsible for at least half of their household incomes.

But it's not all sunbeams and roses for women seeking work-life balance. According to a recent Catalyst survey:

…while approximately one in four lawyers in law firms report having used a flexible work arrangement, the majority of those surveyed see it as a career limiting move. More than half of the female lawyers surveyed believed that their use of flexible work arrangements limited their professional development and made them appear less committed to their firms, versus 21 per cent of men who used the same arrangements.

What's the message? While we're increasingly seeing employers offer flexible working arrangements—and employees are jumping to take advantage of them, the long-term career impacts are still in doubt. But that doesn't mean it's not worth exploring now!

…more than 60 percent of the survey's respondents said they were more loyal to employers offering flexible schedules, telecommutes, and other options.

NEWS: Does Diversity Make a Difference?

2007-01-19T09:47:00.001-08:00

You bet it does—and the research now proves it.

According to a new report out of the University of Illinois there is a positive correlation between employee diversity and business success. In fact, as diversity increases, so does businesses’ customers, share of market, and profitability.

Another study out of Tufts University suggests that not only do minorities bring different perspectives to a situation but they also seem to cause new thinking among others. Using two different models (mock juries and SAT-style questions), the study revealed that diversity causes groups to think differently, and were more likely to examine a problem from multiple perspectives.

Because the study examines group decision-making in a realistic setting, the findings have potential implications for a variety of contexts--from the classroom to the boardroom, or wherever a premium is placed on fact-finding and reaching a good decision," says Samuel R. Sommers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University. "Diverse groups show a number of advantages and benefits when it comes to this type of decision making.

We've given you the highlights. Now read the whole report at the Washington Post.

RESOURCES: Taxes for "Green" Business

2007-01-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, when the W-2s start arriving in the mail and your accountant's phone starts ringing off the hook. As your business begins the time-consuming and mind-scrambling task of annual taxes, don't forget that it pays to be green!

Starting this year, commercial buildings meeting certain energy-savings targets can by deducted by as much as $1.80 per square foot of your taxes. Information on getting certified for the new deduction is available here.

Also starting this year, businesses the use hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles for commercial purposes can qualify for a tax credit.

Not too shabby!

EVENT: Webinar Series - Becoming a Sustainability Champion in Your Organization

2007-01-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

You care about the environment, social justice, and human rights. You recycle at home, make sure the lights are switched off at night, and take public transportation whenever possible. You avoid buying products from companies that contract from sweatshops, and even volunteer your time with a charity or two.

But what about at work?

You might not be in a position to dramatically change the direction of your organization, but you can have a positive influence on the environmental and social impact of day-to-day operations. That's where Strategic Sustainability Consulting can help. In this 4-week webinar series, you'll discover how to become a "sustainability champion" in your organization:

-- Learn how to bring your personal values to the office in a positive, energizing way
-- Convince your bosses that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is worthy of their time
-- Determine the most important and strategic areas for an initial CSR program
-- Implement a tracking program that truly measures progress towards sustainability

Each session is a 90-minute interactive webinar, where you'll gain a basic understanding of the topic, hear from an expert in the field, and have an opportunity to ask questions. These webinars are perfect for recent graduates and young professionals�those employees who have the passion, but not the decision-making authority, to tackle the challenges of organizational sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Week 1: Bringing Your Values to Work

Guest Speaker: Mary Guarino, Ph.D. is owner of StellarSelf, a personal coaching and wellness consulting practice focused on helping organizations that are dedicated to their employees’ well being, and helping individuals create more balanced, fulfilling lives. Dr. Guarino offers her unique training and experience, which allows her to bring a rich perspective on health and wellness to individuals and organizations. In addition to her coaching training, she holds a doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University, has conducted research in the areas of psychology and health, and has several years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience.

Dr. Guarino is a member of the American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, International Coach Federation, International Stress Management Association, and Women Presidents’ Educational Organization.

Week 2: Convincing Management That CSR Is Important

Week 3: Building a CSR Program

Week 4: Tracking and Communicating Progress

Date: Ongoing, check our events page for details

Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST

Cost: $250

(You can also register for the entire series, or each session individually on the SSC events page.)

Space is limited to 20 people to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

* Ask your company if they will pay for these classes. It's part of your professional development, and by educating you on this important topic they will be helping themselves become more responsible corporate citizens!

EVENT: Webinar - CSR 101 for Microenterprise

2007-01-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Today, nearly all big businesses have a public commitment to "corporate social responsibility" (CSR). Wal-Mart has announced sweeping environmental goals related to energy efficiency and "green" packaging. Hewlett Packard is opening training centers for small business owners to learn how to grow their businesses with technology. And Hain Celestial Group has started an initiative to better understand consumer's community priorities and to develop "social purpose" programs.

Even though the business value of CSR has been well established, it's often overlooked by small and medium-size organizations, and by microenterprise in particular. That's a grave mistake, because a strong CSR program can help you cut costs, enhance brand awareness, improve customer loyalty, and set your business apart from larger competitors.

That's why we're pleased to offer Corporate Social Responsibility 101 for Microenterprise, an interactive webinar about the opportunities and challenges associated with social and environmental responsibility for microbusiness. In an hour-and-a-half, we'll cover:

-- A general overview of corporate social responsibility, and why it's valuable to microenterprise.

-- Key CSR issues, including energy efficiency, labor standards, product safety, and corporate governance.

-- Simple and low-cost ways to demonstrate your commitment to "good business ethics".

-- Metrics to track your progress, and how to measure the value of your CSR programs.

-- Ways to publicize your efforts to maximize the financial rewards of corporate citizenship.

Sign-Up on Our Website: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click Events)

Space is limited to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

EVENT: Webinar - Sustainability Consulting 101

2007-01-14T11:15:00.001-08:00

Are you interested in using your skills to make the world a better place? Are you passionate about the environment, social justice, and accountability—but not currently in a job where those values are promoted? Whether you're a recent graduate in search of that first job, or an experienced professional looking to switch careers, the growing world of sustainability consulting has something to offer. But it can also be a confusing, ultra-competitive industry, and nearly impossible to break into without prior experience.

That's why we're pleased to offer Sustainability Consulting 101, an interactive webinar about the "ins and outs" of—what else?—sustainability consulting. You'll learn:

- General trends in sustainability consulting, including the differences between sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and corporate citizenship consultancies.

- The philosophical and practical differences between 1) huge consulting firms with sustainability divisions, 2) boutique consulting firms, 3) NGOs that provide consulting services, and 4) freelance consulting opportunities.

- How to position your past experience to get your foot in the door with the type of organization best suited to your background and career plans.

- Resources you need to know in order to stay up-to-date with emerging sustainability issues.

- How to get involved in the SSC Consultant Network.

The webinar is hosted by Jennifer K. Woofter, president of Strategic Sustainability Consulting (SSC). In the past two years, SSC has grown from a 1-person start-up to a consultancy drawing on more than 50 sustainability experts.

Cost: $50

Sign-Up on Our Website: www.sustainabilityconsulting.com (click Events)

Space is limited to ensure an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get real answers, so reserve your space today. Once you've signed up, you'll receive an email with log-in and call-in details.

If you have any questions, feel free to email SSC at info@sustainabilityconsulting.com or call us at 202-470-3248. We look forward to seeing you soon!

VIEWS: The Biggest Trends In Small Business

2007-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

A colleague recently pointed me to an article in USA Today on the Top 10 Trends Shaping Small Business in 2007. Of particular interest to me were #4 and #1. Read on to find out why…

No. 4. Green revolution

We seem to have reached a critical tipping point, and there's no turning back: green is good. And as nearly every large company now has a sustainability or corporate social responsibility program in place, smaller companies are starting to see the value in environmental excellence too.

Whether it's GM unveiling an all-new electric concept car last week, or Whole Foods markets becoming nearly ubiquitous, or the rise of sustainable development, there is no doubt that there is an increased desire on the part of businesses and consumers alike to go green. For the small business owner, the green revolution presents opportunities: It can mean helping other companies be more environmentally-friendly, or catering to the desires of your customers to be more organic, or offering green products, and so on, but whatever the case, this may be a chance to do good and do well at the same time.

At Strategic Sustainability Consulting, we're delighted to be on the front crest of the green revolution for small business. Not only are we on the receiving end (just check out our own environmental initiatives), but we're also uniquely positioned to help other small companies green their own operations.

No. 1: Global warming may put you out of business

It's no surprise to us that global warming is happening…and it seems like most Americans now "get it". But that doesn't mean we're prepared.

According to a report from the British government written by former World Bank economist Sir Nicholas Stern ("The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change"), "Climate change could devastate the global economy on a scale of the two world wars and the depression of the 1930s" (CNN.com, October 30, 2006.)

Yup—it's true. The scary truth is that we are facing a catastrophe that's moving towards us like a monster in slow motion. We can see it coming, and yet are doing very little to stop it. At Strategic Sustainability Consulting, one of the most important services we provide is consultations on climate change management. So if your organization doesn't have a plan for how to deal with the realities of global warming, contact me at jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for a free consultation.

RESOURCES: Keeping Your Employees Happy

2007-01-01T16:57:00.001-08:00

A new Hudson Survey reveals that the age of your workforce has an impact on how to keep your employees happy. The results? Younger workers want more feedback from managers, greater access to management, and social interaction with their bosses than their older counterparts. They are also (not surprisingly!) more likely to appreciate email and instant message communications.

So as you start 2007, think about how your management style appeals to different generations, and how you might improve employee-management relations. And for a quick employee morale boost, check out this article on low-cost perks that will make your staff thrilled to call you their boss:

While large companies have long touted major corporate perks, including tuition payments and daycare on site, many smaller businesses are now providing plenty of attractive low-cost perks that are having some very positive results. If you're thinking of doing something more than giving your "Employee of the Month" the best parking space, here are 20 possibilities for you to consider.

Our favorites?

Work from home days—not only do they allow employees to catch up on work in a slipper-friendly atmosphere, it's also a great way to eliminate the environmental impacts of a long commute.

Community service days—make a difference in the local community and build a sense of teamwork.

Yoga classes—get centered, improve health and wellness, reduce stress…and get your butt out of that desk chair!

RESOURCE: The Benefits of Employee Volunteer Programs

2006-12-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

Employee volunteer programs are a great way to boost employee morale and enhance your organization's reputation in the local community. Today, more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies have employee volunteer programs, and an increasing number of small and medium size businesses are discovering the myriad benefits that these initiatives can have.

So if you're thinking about developing an employee volunteer program, or want to make sure you're getting the most of your existing programs, consider the following:

Aligning volunteerism with your business mission.

There is absolutely no reason that employee volunteerism can't grow organically—driven by staff interests. And if you have employees asking for company support for a 5K charity run, a bake sale, or a clothing drive for the homeless, then go for it.

But if you're in the process of developing a volunteer program from the ground up, make sure the program is aligned with your business's mission. From a marketing standpoint, it's a smart decision—and it can give your employees a chance to use their business skills for good. For example:

¨ If you are a bank, set up an employee volunteer program where staff provide financial advice to low income women, or provide victims of domestic violence with advice on how to become financially self-sufficient.

¨ If you are a restaurant, consider ways to donate your left-over food to a homeless shelter. Or arrange to have employees deliver meals to families with a seriously-ill child in the hospital.

¨ If you are in a hi-tech firm, develop a mentoring program to encourage minorities to pursue engineering degrees. Talk to a local high school or community college and see if there are ways to match students with employees for short 2-4 week after-school projects.

Generating employee participation.

One thing that drives me crazy is companies who tout their great employee volunteer programs, but provide little incentive to those staff that choose to pursue volunteer opportunities. It's great when workers are willing to go the extra mile for a good cause, but companies—with very little effort—can make it easier to do the right thing. Try the following:

¨ Give employees paid time off to volunteer. Allowing employees to take an afternoon (or even a full day) every month to pursue volunteer activities is probably the most effective incentive to increase employee volunteerism.

¨ Recognize employee volunteerism with awards. A little recognition goes a long way, and publicly recognizing employees who contribute back to the local community is a great way to showcase their efforts. Make it part of your quarterly report to shareholders, or a component of your annual holiday party.

¨ Tie it in to job descriptions and performance reviews. Encourage staff to find creative ways to give back to the community by creating financial incentives. This not only demonstrates your commitment to employee volunteerism, but also makes it easier for workers on a tight budget to rationalize time away from the job pursuing volunteer opportunities.

Tracking your progress.

Last week the Corporate Community Involvement Summit, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, announced the development of standards for corporate volunteer reporting. These standards will help to track trends, benchmark programs, and encourage better practices in employee volunteer programs. The Corporate Volunteer Reporting Standards can be used to:

¨ Establish a common baseline for benchmarking;

¨ Encourage greater corporate community involvement;

¨ Enable consistent comparisons and common reporting;

¨ Elevate the internal dialog on employee volunteer programs to communicate more effectively the internal and external corporate benefits; and

¨ Facilitate the use of better employee volunteer program practices.

Want to learn more about setting up (or improving) your employee volunteer program? Email me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for a complimentary consultation!

RESOURCES: What's the Difference Between "Ethical" Trade and "Fair" Trade?

2006-12-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Making sure that your suppliers are providing your organization with socially and environmentally responsible products can be a daunting challenge. Common questions include:

Where can I buy environmentally friendly products at competitive prices?
How can I be sure that basic labor and human rights are respected by our vendors?
Do we have the time and resources to make sure our ethical purchasing policy is really being implemented?

And now, a new question: what's the difference between "ethical" and "fair" trade?

For the answer we go to Ergon, an independent network of labour rights, human rights and governance experts "committed to working with leading-edge organisations that are serious about addressing their responsibilities". Ergon's October 2006 newsletter explains in simple terms the difference between "ethical" and "fair" trade (check out the whole article on page 4 for a great analysis), but what you really need to know is this:

‘Ethical trade’ is commonly used to describe the work of multi-stakeholder supply chain labour standards initiatives, such as UK Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), US Fair Labor Association (FLA), Social Accountability International (which has developed the SA8000 model), and the Dutch Fair Wear Foundation. Adopting a non-premium paying, non-certification model operating in the mainstream economy, these initiatives aim to achieve incremental improvements in supply chain labour standards through the use of influence derived from trading relationships.
The ‘fair trade’ model, exemplified by Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) or The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), emanates from the ‘alternative trade’ movements of the 1950s and 60s. Generally speaking, it is a premium-paying, niche-market model of certification, commonly working with agricultural smallholders in developing countries, although FLO has in recent years developed a standard for hired labour, such as plantation workers. Under this model, payment to producers is determined by reference to a fixed and regularly updated commodity price and a ‘social premium’ which is invested by collective agreement of the producers.

What does this mean for your organization? In most cases, your organization will focus on "ethical" trade—developing a system where social and environmental criteria are included in a purchasing policy. A program to ensure compliance is then designed, and usually includes voluntary disclosure and/or auditing of suppliers, as well as remedial plans for those suppliers who may just need a little help. Those who continue to meet the ethical criteria receive "preferred supplier" status; those who fail to uphold basic social and environmental criteria are ultimately de-listed from approved supplier lists.

Complicated? It can be. At Strategic Sustainability Consulting, we help clients design ethical supply chain standards that are easy to manage, are cost competitive, and ensure that socially and environmentally-preferred products make it to your doorstep. If you'd like a complimentary consultation to find out more about how to implement an "ethical" trade policy, email me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for more information.

NEWS: "Carbon Neutral" Word of the Year

2006-12-18T07:31:00.001-08:00

The New Oxford American Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2006 is Carbon Neutral.

Being carbon neutral involves calculating your total climate-damaging carbon emissions, reducing them where possible, and then balancing your remaining emissions, often by purchasing a carbon offset: paying to plant new trees or investing in “green” technologies such as solar and wind power.

For small and medium size organization, carbon offsets are the easiest way to go carbon neutral—and there are a number of "voluntary carbon markets" (think of them like stock exchanges for carbon emissions) springing up to help. According to a December 5^th article in GreenBiz:

The International Emissions Trading Association and World Bank estimate that the market for carbon credits has increased to US$2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2006 and that the overall carbon market is now worth more than US$21.5 billion.

At Strategic Sustainability Consulting, we went carbon-neutral by purchasing carbon offsets from Carbonfund.org, and we've been very pleased with their service, credibility, and flexibility.

Want to learn more about carbon offsets, and if they are right for your organization? Email me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for a complimentary consultation!

NEWS: More Proof That Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Pays

2006-12-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

At Strategic Sustainability Consulting, we know that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an important component of business operations. Not only do socially and environmentally responsible practices cut costs, they also increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. The proof?

Last week Golin/Harris International released its fourth national survey, Corporate Citizenship Gets Down to Business: Doing Well by Doing Good 2006.

Conducted by Change, GolinHarris’ corporate citizenship and social responsibility practice, the study reveals respondents recognize progress is being made as a growing number of companies embrace corporate citizenship as a business asset, although business still has a long way to go to meet Americans’ rising expectations for good corporate citizenship.

Change interviewed 5,000 Americans, who rated 152 brands for the GolinHarris Corporate Citizenship Index (CCI) in September, 2006. Top performers included Ben & Jerry's, Target Corporation, Patagonia, and SC Johnson.

And even more interesting, an overwhelming two-thirds of Americans interviewed said:

-- "'Doing well by doing good' is a savvy business strategy. Good corporate citizenship should be approached as an investment, asset and competitive advantage for business that contributes to the company's success.” (67%)

-- “Business should invest significantly more money, time, attention and resources in corporate citizenship than it does today.” (68%)

-- “Corporate citizenship should be considered an essential, high priority compared to other priorities companies face and manage in running a profitable, competitive and successful business.” (68%)

The survey "reveals that good corporate citizenship can impact business results by stimulating Americans to be loyal, passionate and frequent business advocates and committed customers to brands that have earned their trust and support."

But HOW do these companies incorporate good CSR into their day-to-day operations? The survey found:

Another common characteristic of the top performing companies on the GolinHarris CCI is their balanced, holistic approach to corporate citizenship as central to and aligned with the companies’ business goals and mainstream business activities. They’ve learned that how the organization runs its business is just as important as how much money it gives away. Authentic corporate citizenship must permeate all facets of how companies do business.

If your business hasn't recently reviewed its CSR strategy, consider doing it now! Strategic Sustainability Consulting offers introductory sustainability assessments to review what you're doing right and what needs a little work. Get CSR to work for you—contact me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com today for a complimentary consultation.

RESOURCE: HIV in the Workplace

2006-12-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Washington Post article On the Job with HIV caught my eye. It's about Jennifer Munthali, who told her boss at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) that she was HIV positive in 2004, shortly after starting her new job there.

Her manager handled the news well. But neither he nor Munthali was sure what CRS's policy was on HIV treatment. She didn't know if her insurance at the Baltimore organization would cover her. And she didn't know what policy -- if any -- CRS had on HIV and AIDS treatment and support.

I wasn't really surprised to read about Munthali's story. My experience is that very few organizations have well-developed HIV/AIDS programs. But what most organizations don't know is that there is a GREAT resource available for free!

The CDC's Business Responds to AIDS website is chock full of helpful ideas to take your organization to the next level. Just on the front page are:

All the resources your company needs to build a workplace program are in the Manager's Kit.
The Labor Leader's Kit includes all the resources labor leaders need to build HIV/AIDS workplace programs.
Is your workplace prepared to address HIV/AIDS-related issues? Use the new assessment tool to find out.
Use the SHRM sample HIV/AIDS workplace policy as a resource for your workplace.

And if you need a little extra help in creating an HIV/AIDS program, give Strategic Sustainability Consulting a call! We can assist your organization in developing an HIV/AIDS policy, compiling information on your current health insurance policies, conducting employee and manager training, and maintaining an ongoing system of HIV/AIDS awareness building. Email me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com for a complimentary consultation and we can talk about it!

SPECIAL OFFER: Ecological Footprinting for Your Business or NGO

2006-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is currently developing a new service for our small and medium-size clients: an office ecological footprint. As we smooth out the rough edges, we're looking for three companies/NGOs to test the service at 50% off the regular price. If you think your office might be interested, read on!

What is an ecological footprint?

According to Wikipedia: "Ecological footprint" is a metaphor used to depict the amount of land and water area a human population would hypothetically need to provide the resources required to support itself and to absorb its wastes, given prevailing technology. Footprinting is now widely used around the globe as an indicator of environmental sustainability. It can be used to measure and manage the use of resources throughout the economy. It is commonly used to explore the sustainability of individual lifestyles, goods and services, organizations, industry sectors, regions and nations.

Why would you want to measure the ecological footprint of your organization?

While ecological footprinting has typically been used to measure an individual's environmental impact, it's also now possible to apply the calculations to your organization as a whole. It's a great way to make an initial assessment of your ecological profile, and can point out areas for improvement. Plus, it's an engaging way to measure progress—commit to an annual footprint analysis and see how far you've come!

What's SSC's ecological footprint?

We'd never recommend a service that we haven't used ourselves! SSC's ecological footprint is 83.3 global acres, and if all organizations operated like SSC, we would need 1.35 planets to sustain ourselves. Comparing our results to other businesses, we're doing pretty well, but in the coming year, we'll be looking for ways to reduce our footprint even further!

Find Out More

If you are interested in hiring Strategic Sustainability Consulting to conduct an ecological footprint analysis for your organization, contact me at Jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com to discuss this special opportunity!

VIEWS: What Makes a Good Sustainability Consultant?

2006-12-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

As I look back over the last year and a half, I'm amazed at SSC's success. We've gone from a 1-person shop to a consultant network with more than 50 professionals representing all kinds of sustainability-related expertise. As SSC continues to grow, I am particularly proud of our ability to assemble teams of consultants specifically chosen for each project—a depth that few other consultancies can match.

As we continue to add highly-qualified consultants to our network, I spend a lot of time talking with potential consultants about the state of the "sustainable consulting industry" and how they can get more involved. Just this week, I got an email this week that asked a question I hear frequently:

What skills or training do you look for in consultants? Is a Ph.D. useful or would an MBA be a better degree? Are there particular certificates, like LEED, that are useful?

I can't tell you how often that question has been posed—and how unprepared I feel to answer it. Since I'm in a position to see a lot of the trends as they happen, I thought I'd give it a shot. But first want to clear up some misconceptions:

1. You can't just be a "sustainability consultant".

This is a common mistake, especially from recent graduates who approach me with "great interest in getting into sustainability" but nothing more specific. The more I learn about sustainability, the more I realize that EVERYTHING is about sustainability: energy, waste, diversity, culture, attitude, infrastructure, transportation, community, stakeholder engagement, life cycle, product design, process flows, climate change, transparency and disclosure, human rights, unionization, accountability, and the list goes on…

One person CANNOT do it all, and the first step is to figure out where in the *big* picture you fit. Don't forget to think about your industry expertise too—in fact, I suggest that new consultants make an issue/industry matrix to help flesh out exactly where they can play in this growing field.

2. Sustainability means environmental AND social issues.

This is another problem I see a lot—people tend to divide into one group or the other. If you find that all of your expertise (and interest) lines up in one field or the other, perhaps sustainability isn't the right terminology for you. There is no shame in being an "environmental management consultant" or "energy consultant" or "social justice consultant". So be honest—are you committed (and qualified!) to work on the bridge between environmental and social issues, or are you more comfortable focusing on one area or the other?

3. Education may get you in the door, but it's experience that counts.

I have a cutting-edge graduate degree in "Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability" from the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Karlskrona, Sweden. That looks GREAT on my resume, and I can honestly say that I learned many valuable things about sustainability that have made me a better consultant. That degree has given me a level of credibility that I didn't previously have—but it would never have been enough on its own.

I rely on my practical background in corporate social responsibility, in socially responsible investing, in ISO 9000, in shareholder advocacy, and in organizational accountability systems to run my business. So when people ask me "should I go back to school" my immediate question is: what does the rest of your resume look like? If you have years of hands-on experience, then maybe a degree is all you need. But without a significant portfolio of projects to point to, an aspiring sustainability consultant is unlikely to find another degree worth the necessary time and effort (and money!).

And now, some advice:

Consulting is a complicated business—with lots of variations. You can work for one of the "big 4" accounting firms within their burgeoning sustainability divisions if you like the sort of high-budget, business suit atmosphere those places convey. You can pair up with an NGO, many of whom are now partnering up with companies to form strategic alliances around sustainability. Or you can find a boutique consulting firm that caters to your specific expertise.

I've found that the old adage is true: discover what you love, then find a way to get paid for it. When I started Strategic Sustainability Consulting, I wasn't sure there was a market for it—I just knew that it was something I was good at, something I could be passionate about, something that was needed. The rest took care of itself.

So to all the would-be sustainability consultants out there: worry less about a particular degree or specific certification. Figure out:

What you're already qualified to do—sustainability touches so many things that often you don't need a radical change to get involved
Where the market is—are there already businesses involved in this area of sustainability?
What kind of work-life balance you want—how much money you expect to make, what sacrifices you're willing to make, etc.

Then—and ONLY then—are you ready to start thinking about additional schooling and training.

(But let me get off my high horse and be direct: I see green building and energy as the two fastest growing sustainability areas. So if it turns out that you're just plain excited about sustainability, look into LEED certification, renewable energy contracts, and energy efficiency auditing. Just a thought.)

RESOURCES: Get Inspired by the Experts

2006-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'm frequently asked what books I consider to be essential background for sustainability practitioners. A few years ago I could have rattled off a handful and felt pretty good about it. For example:

Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, by Paul Hawken
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, by Janine M. Benyus
The Sustainability Advantage (and the sequel, The Next Sustainability Revolution), by Bob Willard
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, by William McDonough
Mid-Course Correction: Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model, by Ray Anderson

But as sustainability grows in popularity, the number of important books on the topic has increased exponentially. At any given time, I have a stack of sustainability-related books on my bedside table, and no matter how many I diligently plow through each month it seems like the list of "must-reads" just gets longer. Here are a few at the top of my list:

The Business Guide to Sustainability: Practical Strategies and Tools for Organizations, by Darcy Hitchcock
Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage, by Daniel C. Esty
Leading Change Toward Sustainability: A Change-Management Guide for Business, Government and Civil Society, by Bob Doppelt
Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century, by Alex Steffen
Organizational Change for Corporate Sustainability, by Dexter Dunphy

And just in case you don't have time to get through an entire book, check out these video clips—in just a few minutes you can get inspired by experts in a variety of sustainability-related fields:

Big Picture TV - an online media channel that streams free video clips of global leaders in sustainability. Browse a growing archive of internationally renowned names including scientists, environmentalists, politicians, journalists, academics and activists.
Arnold Creek Productions Video Shorts – a new series of free viewable short videos on sustainability and social responsibility. They're designed to further public awareness about sustainability and related issues of the day.

But beware—those few minutes can easily become a few hours, so plan carefully!

VIEWS: CSR in China

2006-11-27T11:20:00.001-08:00

This November I spent a week in Shanghai, giving a workshop to Fortune 500 companies on "EHS and Strategic Sustainability Planning". It was my first trip to China, and my first opportunity to speak in depth with senior EHS managers operating in Asia. What I experienced there reinforced what I'd read about corporate social responsibility in China.

1. Multinational corporations (MNCs) and local business are held to two different standards.

One of the most interesting take-aways from my trip to China was the consensus among Fortune 500 companies that they are held to a higher standard than their Chinese competitors—in fact, a MUCH higher standard. Time and time again I was given examples of how a multinational company would be required by the Chinese government to meet regulations more stringent than EU standards, while their local competitor over in the next town was allowed to completely ignore even the most basic environmental precautions.

Lesson: The social and environmental impacts of globalization will hit big companies first, and multinational companies will need to be prepared to go above and beyond local "best practices" when introducing new factories in China.

2. Corporate social responsibility is too new to have much traction.

My workshop was officially titled "EHS and Strategic Sustainability Planning: Creating Competitive Company Value as A Good Corporate Citizen" and included topics like:

§ Sustainability in a Chinese Context

§ Wal-Mart and Sustainability: Implications for China's Supply Chain

§ Communicating Sustainability Performance

The first day opened with a session on environment, health, and safety (EHS)—where I talked primarily about the importance of having the "three Ps": policy, programs, performance. The next session was called "Beyond EHS" and talked about the emerging CSR issues that companies will need to address in order to keep up with larger sustainability trends. This session included things like diversity, human rights, unionization, community relations, and stakeholder engagement.

During this session, I was met by a lot of blank stares, and even some giggles. Because as far as the EHS has come in China, issues like diversity and human rights still don't make sense there. It's more than a matter of cultural context; these operations simply do not see a business case for promoting "soft" CSR issues. Not yet, at least.

Lesson: MNCs need to pay more attention to "soft" CSR issues, and make sure that adequate resources are devoted to issues beyond environment, health, and safety. This is ESPECIALLY true for companies that have global standards for CSR—because it's only a matter of time until they get caught operating with different standards.

3. Culture shifts are the key obstacle to long-term sustainability.

The final lesson I took away from my trip is that—while there are many obstacles to implementing a broader sustainability agenda in Chinese operations—cultural context is the most challenging. For MNCs moving into China, it's not just a matter of setting up the same programs, standards, and goals as at the headquarters location. If the employees don't understand the logic behind sustainability requirements—if they don't feel engaged and empowered in the process of making the facility a more responsible business entity—then CSR simply doesn't work.

Lesson: While global CSR standards are great, companies need to be aware of what a huge impact culture plays on the ability of a facility to "buy-in" to sustainability. New operations, in particular, need to make sure that enough time and energy is spent educating employees about the "why" behind CSR programs and performance goals.

NEWS: Welcome!

2006-11-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the *new and improved* Strategic Sustainability Consulting blog. Our website has undergone major renovations for 2007, and we're pleased to have a new home for all things blogg-y. Here you'll find news on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, views from our president, Jennifer K. Woofter, and other items of interest.

(We've also moved over the "best" entries from the previous SSC blog, so be sure to peruse the archives!)

NEWS: SSC Issues It's Own Sustainability Report

2006-11-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

We're proud to announce the publication of Strategic Sustainability Consulting's first annual sustainability report. Using the Global Reporting Initiative's G3 Guidelines, we've reflected on our first year of operations and goals for the future. You can download the entire 12-page report here.

We'd love to know what you think--so please send your comments to info@sustainabilityconsulting.com.

NEWS: SSC Goes Carbon Neutral

2006-11-24T14:21:00.001-08:00

As Seen On CSRWire and SocialFunds:

Press release from: Carbonfund.org

Strategic Sustainability Consulting Reduces Carbon Footprint to Zero with Carbonfund.org

Carbon Offsets Help Company Meet Environmental Goals in One Simple, Economical Step

(CSRwire) (Silver Spring, MD) September 15, 2006 – As a consulting firm focused on the sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses, it’s no surprise that Strategic Sustainability Consulting wanted to reduce its contribution to climate change. What is a surprise is how simple and affordable it was for the firm to reduce its footprint all the way to zero, thanks to Carbonfund.org, the leading non-profit organization carbon offset provider.

Strategic Sustainability Consulting’s carbon offset with Carbonfund.org shows how a firm can make a real, practical commitment to addressing climate change. Carbonfund.org worked with SSC to calculate their carbon footprint and will purchase and retire renewable energy certificates (RECs) on its behalf, making their operations CarbonFree™.

"As Strategic Sustainability Consulting works with its clients on practical solutions for dealing with climate change, they’ll now be able to offer their experience with carbon offsets as proof of how easy and affordable taking action can be," said Eric Carlson, Executive Director of Carbonfund.org. "We are all responsible for climate change and we all must be part of the solution. This commitment on their part shows the firm is dedicated to walking the walk on climate change."

Jennifer Woofter, president of Strategic Sustainability Consulting, stated "Minimizing environmental impact is one of the main services we offer our clients. Even with years of experience, however, we were still surprised to see how easy and cost-effective it was to offset our own carbon emissions. Carbonfund.org was so helpful through the process that we now recommend the organization to all our clients."

Carbonfund.org is a non-profit organization whose goal is to make carbon offsets and climate protection easy, affordable and a normal way of life for every individual and business. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in one location, where it is cost effective, to offset the emissions they are responsible for in their normal activities, like home, office, driving or air travel emissions. For instance, a clean, zero CO2 wind farm can offset the carbon dioxide produced by a coal-fired power plant. The financial support from these offsets support the development of clean, renewable domestic sources of energy.

About Strategic Sustainability Consulting

Strategic Sustainability Consulting provides organizations with the tools and expertise needed to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. It specializes in helping under-resourced organizations—like SMEs, NGOs, industry groups, and government agencies—implement sustainable solutions usually reserved for large, multinational companies. For more information, visit www.sustainabilityconsulting.com.

About Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org reduces the threat of climate change by making it easy and affordable for any individual or business to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects. With its easy-to-use calculator, low offset cost per ton of CO2, and certified offset projects, Carbonfund.org is proving that anyone can reduce their impact on climate change easily and efficiently. Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit business, and a member of the EPA's Green Power Network, the Chicago Climate Exchange, and Ceres. Carbonfund.org has more than sixty corporate and non-profit partners, including the National Wildlife Federation, the Calvert Group and Working Assets.

For more information please contact:

Eric Carlson, Executive Director
Carbonfund.org
www.carbonfund.org

www.carbonfund.org

NEWS: Hybrid Car Incentives for Small Businesses

2006-11-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Strategic Sustainability Consulting was interviewed for a July 5, 2006 article by Inc.com on the newest perk: hybrid car incentives. That's right" more and more companies are offering cash incentives to employees who buy hybrid vehicles. But is it relevant to small business? Check out our thoughts.

RESOURCE: Helpful Websites for Small Business CSR

2006-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

It's time for another list of helpful resources for small business. Enoy!

Intangibles and CSR
Source: Business for Social Responsibility (via GreenBiz)

Understanding how value is created through assets like knowledge, expertise, and operating systems -- the "intangibles" -- is integral to understanding how long-term wealth can be created and enhanced through strong CSR (corporate social responsibility) performance. Published in April 2006, this business brief explores the multifaceted link between a company's "intangible assets" and CSR. The brief provides a framework for better understanding the business case for CSR.

Sustainability Engagement Boosts Financial Performance
Source: Ethical Corporation (via Greenbiz)

The research arm of a leading sustainable investment fund has produced a new report grading more than 1200 companies by their preparedness in terms of environmental and other CR issues, providing more evidence for a link between non-financial and financial performance. The research, published jointly with consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers, represents one of the most complete efforts so far to compare companies, and sectors, based on their non-financial performance.

Zero Footprint

Zerofootprint’s goal is to connect people who care about the environment for the purpose of reducing ecological footprint. The organization aims to be the world’s foremost content hub for green, linking millions of people from across the globe engaged in sustainable commerce, and helping to inform people, who want to strive toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Of particular note is the Green Events section, where readers can find environmental events in their local area.

VIEWS: Sustainability Reporting and G3

2006-11-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Last week, Strategic Sustainability Consulting submitted feedback to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) concerning their new edition of sustainability reporting guidelines, G3. Our comment represents a coalition effort of business, academic, and NGO communities from eight different countries--all who believe that GRI can be improved further. Our main point:

Our main concern, however, is that the G3 Guidelines (like the 2002 Guidelines) do not provide an appropriate context for reporting on performance indicators—namely, a definition of sustainability that is both scientifically sound and directly measurable. While the G3 Guidelines provide an excellent structure for reporting on economic, environmental, and social issues, this lack of a rigorous definition of sustainability means that reporting organizations cannot truly be held accountable for their progress towards sustainable development. Indeed, without an explicit recognition of the constraints underlying sustainability, organizations may not even internally understand the requirements of a sustainable society.

You can read the whole document (2 pages) here.

RESOURCE: Climate Change for Small Business

2006-11-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered, "What can my small business do about climate change?" ClimateBiz now has a dedicated section of its website devoted to helping answer that question.

Individual small business owners often have difficulty imagining their role in managing climate for the simple reason that it's hard to measure climate impact on such a tiny scale. But the total climate-related impact (or "carbon footprint") of small businesses certainly add up. While your small business may produce actual greenhouse gas emissions, it certainly has an indirect impact on climate: electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation all translate into BTUs with global warming potential.

RESOURCE: Choosing An Environmental Consultant

2006-11-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Choosing an Environmental Consultant: Guidance for Small Businesses is a free, 32-page document by The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Small Business Assistance Program.

The Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) created this guide to provide information so that small businesses that need to hire an environmental professional can make an informed decision. This guide will help you more knowledgeably hire an environmental consultant by:

-- guiding you through the proposal process
-- listing questions to ask consultants
-- suggesting how to review the proposals you receive from prospective consultants
-- providing tips for negotiating a contract with your chosen consultant

Although this guide deals primarily with companies needing technical environmental services (like help deciphering Clean Air Act regulations), the general scope of the report is helpful for businesses deciding to take the plunge with outside consulting services.

PEOPLE: Jennifer K. Woofter, President

2006-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Jennifer is the founder and president of Strategic Sustainability Consulting, a business designed to provide under-resourced organizations with tools to actively manage their social and environmental impacts. In this role, she draws upon her expertise in the fields of corporate social responsibility, ethical investing, and organizational accountability systems to help clients make the leap between good intentions and long-term sustainable performance.

Prior to the start-up of Strategic Sustainability Consulting, Jennifer was a social research analyst with Calvert Group. In addition to researching companies for inclusion in Calvert’s socially responsible mutual funds, Jennifer also led the company’s initiatives to promote corporate accountability through increased transparency and disclosure. Notable accomplishments include a major shareholder advocacy campaign to encourage sustainability reporting, and public support of state, national, and international corporate accountability legislation. Before her transition to the private sector, Jennifer also worked on Capitol Hill, as a staffer with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where she focused on federal accountability systems.

Her publications include “Non-Financial Disclosure and Strategic Planning: Sustainability Reporting for Good Corporate Governance”, issue briefs on the topic of corporate transparency, and a variety of reports on women’s rights in developing countries (Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana). She was also on the team of Senate staffers that produced the 2001 report “Government at the Brink”, an agency-by-agency account of fraud, waste, and abuse in the federal government.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Political Science. She went on to receive a M.A. in Political Science from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Most recently, she was a member of the first graduating class of the Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability Master’s Programme at Blekinge Tekniska Hogskola (Sweden).

Scott:	"I'd like to know about the energy usage of my Dell computer"
Scott:	"Dell Inspiron 8200"
Agent:	"I do understand that you are wanting to know the energy usage and I will do my best to assist you.
Agent:	"For references - The warranty expired on the system on 07.30.2005. Is this your first contact with Dell regarding the energy usage?"
Scott:	"I'm not sure --"
Scott:	"I'm not having a problem with my system"
Scott:	"I only need information about its energy usage"
Agent:	"Scott, allow me 3-6 minutes to research this information."
Agent:	"Thank you for holding. I do apologize for the delay. The power information that I have is that the system uses a 8 cell battery and a 65 Watt Adapter."
Agent:	"Scott, it has been a great pleasure working with you today. I'm going to send you some important information for your records. I apologize for its lengthiness. Let me know if you have any questions about it."