Every action has a reaction, and businesses today are facing increasing scrutiny and regulation when it comes to their actions on the environment and natural resources. It has become the expectation from customers, and society in general, that businesses make sustainability a top p1iority. “Going green” isn’t a fad or a trend-it’s a fundamental shift in the way we do business.
From the corner office to the field teams, residents to suppliers, true sustainability can be ad1ieved only through a collective effort to reduce waste and energy use, use resources wisely (irtduding financial resources), promote sustairtable behaviors and business practices, and go green as a part of everyday life.
What does it mean to be sustainable? According to the Brundtland Commission (formerly the World Com m ission on Environment and Development), which was established by the United Nations in 1983, sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” What does it take to meet those needs? Resources- natural, human, and financial. Business leaders must consider the complex interaction among economic, social, and environmental forces as they strive for long-term sustainability.
See full article Defense Communities, Feb 2011. “Training for Sustainability: Laying Out A Roadmap To Green Businesses And Communities”. PDF