Special Report: Go for the Green
When it comes to a facility's performance improvements, for example, waste and energy reduction requires partnerships with landlords, utility companies, waste haulers, and other business partners who manage the retailer's buildings and infrastructure. Similarly, more efficient and sustainable product manufacturing is only possible through partnering with suppliers.
Like all business activities, sustainability programs are fueled by the systems that promote the expansion of resources, activities, expertise and benefits of that particular initiative over time. Once an organization overcomes static friction and forms an environmental sustainability program, its success further solidifies the business case for sustainability, forcing C-level execs to take note and warm to a broader range of potential activities. Increased confidence and commitment expands the program's resources and allows the scope of sustainability efforts to broaden, building momentum for a company's sustainability activities.
Adam Siegel is the vice president of sustainability and retail operations for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. Adam can be reached at adam.siegel@rila.org.
