This morning, with the rest of the early risers at PMI® Global Congress 2009--North America, I had the opportunity to attend the Monday Morning Breakfast Panel on sustainability. Moderated by PMI president and CEO Gregory Balestrero, the panel included:
Ellen Jackowski: Lead of HP Environmental Sustainability Corporate Governance process and the Environmental Sales Enablement initiatives
Anne Larilahti: Head of the Environmentally Sustainable Business program at Nokia Siemens Networks
Sandra E. Taylor: Vice president of Starbucks' corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavors from 2003-2008 and now president and CEO of Sustainable Business International LLC
Here are some of the highlights:
• Ms. Taylor said that more and more organizations are starting to understand the business case for CSR--it can be profitable, good for attracting and retaining employees, and more attractive to consumers interested in sustainability. CSR strengthens the supply chain, reduces operating costs and can lead to better brand reputation.
• Ms. Larilahti said that Nokia has not had to stop any of its sustainability projects because of the economy. The company's projects have to meet organizational goals, including lowering costs, differentiating Nokia from the competition, building the brand and delivering cost savings to the customer.
• Ms. Jackowski believes we are about to face a bigger environmental crisis than our current predicament because we don't have the tools to turn back. But at some point we will start treating the planet as a stakeholder in our projects.
• Five years from now, social responsibility will be an integral part of the business, not just an add-on, Ms. Taylor noted.
All three of the panelists challenged attendees to consider their organization's daily business operations. How do you actively prioritize your organization's sustainability practices?
While it might sound simple, a little operational change can reduce your company's environmental impact--and contribute to its bottom line.
For example, both Nokia and HP hold as many meetings as possible virtually. And HP has recently challenged its offices to lower energy use. The prize? The winning office is rewarded with an ice cream party.
"It sounds small, but ice cream is a huge motivator," Ms. Jackowski said.
Ellen Jackowski: Lead of HP Environmental Sustainability Corporate Governance process and the Environmental Sales Enablement initiatives
Anne Larilahti: Head of the Environmentally Sustainable Business program at Nokia Siemens Networks
Sandra E. Taylor: Vice president of Starbucks' corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavors from 2003-2008 and now president and CEO of Sustainable Business International LLC
Here are some of the highlights:
• Ms. Taylor said that more and more organizations are starting to understand the business case for CSR--it can be profitable, good for attracting and retaining employees, and more attractive to consumers interested in sustainability. CSR strengthens the supply chain, reduces operating costs and can lead to better brand reputation.
• Ms. Larilahti said that Nokia has not had to stop any of its sustainability projects because of the economy. The company's projects have to meet organizational goals, including lowering costs, differentiating Nokia from the competition, building the brand and delivering cost savings to the customer.
• Ms. Jackowski believes we are about to face a bigger environmental crisis than our current predicament because we don't have the tools to turn back. But at some point we will start treating the planet as a stakeholder in our projects.
• Five years from now, social responsibility will be an integral part of the business, not just an add-on, Ms. Taylor noted.
All three of the panelists challenged attendees to consider their organization's daily business operations. How do you actively prioritize your organization's sustainability practices?
While it might sound simple, a little operational change can reduce your company's environmental impact--and contribute to its bottom line.
For example, both Nokia and HP hold as many meetings as possible virtually. And HP has recently challenged its offices to lower energy use. The prize? The winning office is rewarded with an ice cream party.
"It sounds small, but ice cream is a huge motivator," Ms. Jackowski said.
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