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"If sustainability is going to take hold in the corporate sector in a big way - and we need it to - it will be when it produces big profits and faster growth. It won't happen because of an optional executive commitment to an abstract concept. It will happen because sustainability is a great business strategy. And it is." - Paul Gilding, founding partner of Ecos Corporation |
Corporate SustainabilityWhy it mattersFor more than a decade, there has been a growing understanding in the global marketplace on the need to balance business, social, and environmental goals. Measures of success are no longer limited to financial profit as companies now need to demonstrate responsibility for their social and environmental aspects and impacts as part of their mandate. As a result, it is difficult for companies to operate in isolation without the engagement of communities, government, and non-government organizations in the way they do business. In response to this global business trend, concepts such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development (SD) have become increasingly popular catchwords among decision-makers in leading companies. The true challenge lies in translating these well-intentioned CSR-SD concepts into a concrete and practical course of action. Given the complexities on the ground (e.g., the need to meet business targets and build staff capacity, the difficulty of managing vast natural resources concession areas, and the need for productive relationship with government agencies and local communities), such efforts require careful planning. In addition to the CSR and SD drivers, companies are also beginning to understand the benefits that come from applying “resource efficiency” innovations, including source reduction, re-use, recycling and composting, as well as certification programs to access a greater portion of the international market (FSC, MSC, RSPO etc.). What we DoStarling Resources works with companies to develop a range of strategies and solutions to fit their needs. On one side we take a comprehensive view and develop breakthrough strategies with regards to their CSR-SD and resource efficiency policies and programs that combine their business, social, and environmental goals. In other cases we get involved in specific project design and implementation – designing efficacy initiatives for their business systems or developing programs such as new venture business plans or policy and regulatory reviews. Case StudiesThe following case studies relate to our work in Corporate Sustainability: |
