HyperQuake strategists continue to participate in a 13-week webinar entitled “Sustainability Boot Camp” hosted by Sustainable Life Media. In the third session, William Sarni, CEO of DOMANI, presented his thoughts on the topic “Innovation Opportunities in Response to Today’s Environmental Hot Buttons: Climate Change, Water & Waste.”
In his presentation, Sarni points out that 2009 will be marked as the year when sustainability went mainstream–the year where the old paradigm of abundant materials and limitless energy was openly (and successfully) challenged by environmental and social performance. Large opportunity areas such as Revenue, Risk Management and Reduced Operating Costs expose business opportunities as not simply about compliance.
In a September 2009 exclusive, Newsweek released their first annual Green Score Rankings. In it, a strong correlation between Green performers is made to companies that are successful overall. It summarizes that sixteen out of eighteen companies with high green scores had a 10-15% better stock performance than peers. This information suggests that perhaps voluntary sustainability isn’t really voluntary anymore- both in terms of business success and critic review.
Innovation for sustainability is really no different, then, than other realms of innovation and very similar to HQ’s own definition and approach to innovation. It requires foresight, open collaboration, creativity and discipline. It’s about taking risks, accepting failure and knowing that true innovation is about improvement, not efficiency.
Sarni points to Google (by way of their creativity) and GE (for their discipline) as being good stewards of innovation. He also states that sustainability is like innovating inside the box– knowing and working within certain parameters.
Sarni also shared an example where companies are putting aside their competitive nature to come together for mutually (and globally) common ground. Eco-Patent Commons is an initiative of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) organization that was founded on the commitment that anyone who wants to bring environmental benefits to market can use these patents to protect the environment and enable collaboration between businesses that foster new innovations.
Three general bucket areas that are getting the most attention are carbon, water and waste. Carbon is probably the most difficult for the general consumer population to grasp, given its diversity and complexity, but initiatives like the Carbon Disclosure Project are sure to build general knowledge and application.
The Carbon Disclosure Project is an independent not-for-profit organization holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world. Thousands of organizations from across the world’s major economies measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies through CDP.
Many companies are building their brand image by way of reduction goals and strategies. Cisco and IBM communicate well about their intentions and others, like Dupont and BASF are able to reframe their image. Reducing your carbon footprint is becoming widespread terminology and labeling initiatives are in the works. The Carbon Trust has launched a new carbon reduction label to provide a measure of a product’s carbon footprint (embodied GHG emissions) across its life cycle.
Other companies are focusing on product innovation to reduce carbon. Calera, funded by Vinod Khosla – venture capitalist, has come out with a process that takes CO2 from the air to make cement. Would this make it possible to simply build our way out of any CO2 issues? Carbon taxes or credits for removing CO2 ($25-100/ton in Europe) such as those proposed by Al Gore could make Calera cement virtually free for builders.
Water, the second of the three large buckets, is in some ways following the footsteps of carbon. Full disclosure initiatives and labeling are a few directions where it may be heading. But even with such references as T. Boone’s “water is the new oil,” it is clear that there are many differences– the basic right for humans to have water being one such difference.
The business implications to climate change and water scarcity are quickly becoming key issues. Some estimate that as much as 47% of the world’s population will face a severe shortage by 2030 (Ceres/Pacific Institute) and already some companies are feeling the effect. Waste, for most, its about material use and packaging and has large social implications around the world, as well as being a big financial opportunity for most companies. Nike, for instance, has created $40 million in annual savings after a $3 million investment through various initiatives, and a Subaru factory in Indiana is close to zero waste, 97% of waste is recycled and none going to landfills
While some experts suggest not making too bold of statements (or at least not too early), others encourage the move, saying that it forces action and results. I for one, am interested to see how sustainability goals and benchmarks plays out in 2015 and 2020, with consumer interest on the rise and so many companies making their initiatives public.
Tags: strategy, sustainability
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you
Thanks, It’s posts like this that keep me coming back and checking this site regularly, thanks for the info!
Hi there, Your post is an excellent example of why I keep coming back to read your excellent quality point of view….
Good work, It’s posts like this that keep me coming back and checking this site regularly, thanks for the info!
ICICIDIRECT is actually definitely an internet stock brokerage company which was voted India’s finest e-brokerage home during 2009 by Outlook Funds. ICICI direct provides 3 in 1 account for online stock trading. That is about the most product for share trading in India. In this account, the internet share trading account, demat account and the bank account are related together so that it is very easy for the user to purchase then sell shares online while using account.
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.
I wanted to create you a little bit of observation so as to say thank you as before just for the wonderful strategies you have provided on this page. This is incredibly open-handed of people like you to deliver publicly what most of us could possibly have sold as an electronic book in order to make some bucks for themselves, primarily given that you could possibly have tried it in the event you decided. These points as well worked to become a easy way to fully grasp that someone else have the same interest really like my own to learn lots more in terms of this issue. I’m certain there are a lot more fun sessions ahead for individuals who find out your website.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I want to put in writing like this additionally ?taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article?however what can I say?I procrastinate alot and on no account seem to get something done.
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Hi there, Your post is an excellent example of why I keep coming back to read your excellent quality content….
You have a gift for words I will give you that. If only I had the same gift
When do you think this Real Estate market will go back in a positive direction? Or is it still too early to tell? We are seeing a lot of housing foreclosures in Longwood Florida. What about you? We would love to get your feedback on this.
Thank you for sharing this good post. Very inspiring! (as always, btw)
Having said that, while you look for cost-free articles and reviews they’ll depict your websites.
After checking out a handful of the posts on your web site now, I must say i like your manner of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my website list and will be coming back shortly. Take a look at my site too and let me know what you reckon.
Great job, thanks
info. I got lucky and read your blogin surfing web search. Fortunately me, only happens beingsomething that I`ve been looking forfind more knowledgein searching . keepthe great so thank you
ao6oo 0 d3x
If you check out the options which have been receptive once you go through the Turn Posts Report Submission move Company, you may rapidly learn about that we now have several things that anyone can in fact look into.
I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
Hey all, my internet sites do not work today, for the second time in 2 months. My internet hosting Company says the server is under attack and they’re working on getting it fixed. Okay, so it’s under attack and they are fixing it. But this is the second time in 2 months for us. Third time in the three year history with them. Is this too many? Or do you guys have similar experience with other internet hosting companies?
You’re the best, always enjoy reading your posts.
I’ve also been thinking the similar point personally recently. Grateful to see somebody on the same wavelength! Nice article.
Fantastic, thanks for the awesome posting. I’m having troubles subscribing to your blogs feed. Thought I’d let you know
You’re the best, Your post is an excellent example of why I keep coming back to read your excellent quality point of view….
Great site. Plenty of helpful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!
“I would like to express appreciation to this writer for bailing me out of this trouble. Because of checking throughout the the web and seeing methods which were not productive, I believed my entire life was well over. Being alive without the presence of solutions to the problems you’ve sorted out all through your main short article is a serious case, as well as the ones which might have badly affected my entire career if I had not encountered your web site. Your own personal natural talent and kindness in controlling all areas was vital. I’m not sure what I would have done if I had not discovered such a step like this. I can at this point look forward to my future. Thanks so much for the professional and sensible guide. I will not think twice to endorse the sites to any individual who desires guide about this matter.”
Nice blog entre. I really have to say, good work.
An impressive blogpost, I just passed this onto a fellow worker who was doing somewhat research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him’.
.. So let me reword that: Thanks for the treat! But yeah Thank you for spending the time for you to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love learning additional on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with far more details? It really is really helpful for me. Two thumb up for this post!
It’s super webpage, I was looking for something like this
When do you think this Real Estate market will go back right side up? Or is it still too early to tell? We are seeing a lot of housing foreclosures in Oviedo Florida. What about you? We would love to get your feedback on this.
Great post, beautiful weblog with great informational content. This is a really interesting and informative content.
Fantastic, wonderful blog… really enjoy it and inserted it into my social bookmarks. Keep up the good work
This is such an informative post and very clearly written. Every single thought and idea is direct to the point. Perfectly laid out. thanx for taking your time sharing this to you scaners.
Thanks. I really like your site. Great points you make in your post.
v phiy6o hi3ub
I just love this article. Have you ever thought of a career in writing? If So shoot me a Email I know some people.
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
Good post. I learn one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It is going to at all times be stimulating to read content material from other writers and apply a bit something from their store. I desire to use some with the content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I offer you a link in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Good work, I enjoyed Carbon and Water and Waste, Oh My! Hyperquake Blog. It was good. View my blog sometime, it all about Winter Park, FL Real Estate.
It’s good page, I was looking for something like this
“I wish to show my appreciation to you just for bailing me out of this issue. As a result of surfing around through the the net and obtaining principles which are not powerful, I was thinking my entire life was well over. Being alive devoid of the approaches to the issues you’ve resolved as a result of your main guideline is a critical case, as well as ones that would have adversely affected my entire career if I had not discovered the blog. Your talents and kindness in playing with all the things was invaluable. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come upon such a point like this. I’m able to at this point relish my future. Thanks so much for this specialized and sensible help. I will not think twice to recommend your web sites to any person who should receive direction about this matter.”
I have a site that I need to sell an ebook on – I’ve talked to 3 credit card processing companies and none will approve me due to the fact of the digital download, even though I also offer a hard copy of the book as an alternative. Anybody have a recommendation?
how come every one of these pages has so many comments
I’m impressed, I need to say. Actually rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
You completed some fine points there. I did a search on the issue and found the majority of people will go along with with your blog.
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good work. I just added your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you later on!…