RICHMOND, CA — (Marketwire) — 03/13/13 — , a charitable organization that helps to assist those suffering from poverty and the effects of climate change, is speaking out on a new from U.S. News & World Report that discusses how businesses may benefit from adopting ideas focused on sustainability. The piece notes that in recent years, many American companies have discovered that remaining committed to protecting the environment can actually help their own earnings. This principle is a surprise to critics, who often talk about the failure of businesses when they focus on goals other than those directly related to profits.
A recent study published in Harvard Business Review illustrates the rewards of a business focused on sustainability, even in the developing world. Though environmental standards are minimal and many consumers are unable to afford the luxury of buying high-end organic groceries and other items, keeping a focus on the environment pays.
A range of models has proven effective when it comes to sustainable businesses in the United States and other developed countries. Some brands succeed by targeting sophisticated consumers who are better able to pay for a product that is organic and healthier. Fair trade coffee is an example of this model. Other companies thrive when they drive their costs down as they rethink their product and process design through the lens of sustainability. For example, a winery aims to reduce its carbon output by redesigning its energy-intensive facility. As a result, the winery achieves significant cost savings, while also helping to protect the state of the planet. Other companies find success because their pursuit of sustainability leads them to produce a higher quality product, which leaves customers more motivated to pay for an item free of defects.
Sustainability experts have recently completed a thorough review of sustainability practices in developing economies, as they studied more than 1,000 companies worldwide. Their results showed that companies leading in sustainability practices continually offer up superior growth rates when compared to their non-sustainable peers.
Much of the economic leverage that comes from adopting sustainable practices is due to examining production processes to figure out where inputs are inefficiently used. In some instances, resources like energy or water were previously inexpensive. This led a company to engage in wasteful practices when it came to these resources. Now that costs are rising, efficiency matters. An example of this comes with the Manila Water Company in the Philippines. The group found that they could save water by repairing leaks and refraining from tapping its pipes illegally. Ultimately, they were able to save $750M that the brand would have previously needed to build a new dam. Cases such as these are popping up all over the business world.
Charitable organization Campus California notes that sustainability is also important in non-profit work. Much like other American businesses, the group has adopted environmentally-friendly practices in their own dealings. In a statement to the press, the group explains, “Campus California was founded as a sustainable nonprofit organization and currently run our Richmond headquarters at less than two percent waste. We know clothing and shoes are highly water and chemical intensive. We work with companies that want to move to a more sustainable business model by providing them, their clients and community base, with a convenient way to recycle their gently used clothing and shoes.” Campus California notes that their efforts benefit those in need, as well as the planet.
ABOUT:
is an organization that works to help those impacted by global climate change and poverty. The group serves individuals in the United States and around the world. The charity works to support sustainability projects, while meeting solid waste reduction goals in the state of California.