In 2016, sustainable business practices and clean energy are more important than ever. From recycling and waste reduction to pollution prevention and responsible sourcing, recent movements towards green practices isn’t just a trend; it’s the new normal for some of the biggest and best companies in the world.
The first-ever “Clean 200” list, a third-party ranking of the top performing green businesses, was just published last month. A few of the top performers include:
Toyota – The popular car company and known environmental leader is opening a new North American headquarters in 2017 that will use 100% renewable energy, bringing them one step closer to their commitment to completely eliminate carbon emissions in all worldwide operations by 2050.
Siemens – Coming in right behind Toyota is the German engineering company Siemens who, in addition to medical and automotive engineering, is heavily invested in energy-related products such as wind power generators and steam turbines.
Panasonic – The electronics company scored well on the Clean 200 list due in part to their energy storage solutions, which offers stability and energy load balance for those trying to reduce carbon emissions through renewable resources like wind and solar power.
So what is it that these companies have in common? What is it that the world’s best green companies are doing, and how can we learn from their example?
Green companies make more money. One commonly held misconception about “going green” is that it cuts into your bottom line. But what the Clean 200 list shows is that in today’s age, this just isn’t true. In fact, the top green companies are actually making more money than competitors within their respective fields. Making more money while using less resources? That is something anyone can get behind!
Green companies are transparent. Some companies talk a big game, but exaggerate the truth about their eco-friendly practices for the sake of public relations and free publicity. But for the top dogs in the green industry game, transparency is key. The best companies are honest with customers, investors, insurers and other business partners about their green practices. This includes information about where the product is sourced from and which vendors the company associates with.
Green companies invest in the future. Most importantly, the one thing all of the world’s best green companies have in common is innovation. These companies are doing more than just adopting the latest trends in sustainability and clean energy – they are setting those trends. These companies look for patterns of waste within their own operations and then brainstorm ways to cut that waste out. Simply put, these companies are investing in the future – not just the future of their company, but of the planet as well.
While making the “Clean 200” list next year may not be within reach for your organization, what is possible is using those companies as role models for how to move forward in the world of sustainability. By following these company’s examples, your company could soon be inspiring others to do the same.
Sources:
http://www.envirotools.org/green-companies
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2016/06/10/toyota-headquarters-will-use-100-renewable-energy/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens#Products.2C_services_.26_contribution
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Charity Murphy is a freelance writer for Insured Solutions and Improve comedienne based in Louisville, Kentucky. She lives with her husband Ben and their two dogs, Sprocket and Ms. Brisby. |