Archive for December, 2008
Economics First, Sustainability second?
Frank Brandauer
After 5 plus years I believe the Practice of Sustainability has matured to a point that there is now a commonly accepted belief that it is comprised of 3 basic elements or aspects: environmental, social and economic.
My experience suggests that we all have been working very hard to learn about the first 2 elements (environmental & social); what they are and how they relate to other functions, processes and systems.
What struck me recently was just how little has been made of, or said about, the 3rd element, economic sustainability. Really think about it, no one actually ever talks about this piece other than to reference it as the third leg of the Sustainability stool. I guess I just figured that this topic was already covered by the standard financial filings and disclosures, or that it was someone else’s job (someone who just never showed up to the meetings), or that some how it was just a given.
Recent events have caused me to believe that we really missed something significant, that we failed to truly understand the full concept of Sustainability. It now appears that without all 3 pieces in place nothing is in reality sustainable, including, it seems, the entire worldwide economic system.
We have been reminded that economics cannot be under estimated or overlooked. I suspect that we will soon find that all those purely “nice to have” and the “good to do” Sustainability projects will not survive long. If they do not represent a real economic gain they will all go the way of the subprime mortgage.
At its core EHS is grounded in compliance and worker safety requirements and Sustainability’s only foundation is customer expectations. That may well change as regulations are developed but that is not likely to happen until the economy turns.
For now its simple, all Sustainable efforts must also be able to deliver real, tangible and quantifiable economic value or advantage. For me this litmus test helps makes sense out of alot of crazy ideas. It is nice to know that gravity still applies.
Becoming Recession Proof
Alex Pollock, respected EHS professional, offers advice to his EHS colleagues on how to position themselves professionally during tough economic times.
Wrapping It Up For the Holidays
Carol Singer Neuvelt
From Black Friday to today’s Cyber Monday, our consumption and spending greatly increase this time of year. This post-Thanksgiving focus on purchasing, spending and “doing” has highlighted the fact that our personal choices DO make a difference.
Professionally, we focus on processes & creating systems that allow us to measure our progress. As the saying goes, “What gets measured; gets managed.” So on a personal front, I ask “how do I measure the impacts of my decisions?”
Looking to have a bit of fun with this, the staff at NAEM researched a number of the carbon footprint calculator sites to measure impact. We had mixed results and were surprised to see that very few of the calculators took into account anything beyond utilities and transportation.
Here’s a selection of sites with different methodologies. I’d like your opinion from the perspective of EHS & Sustainability managers who measure and manage every day. Take a look at these sites and share what you found most surprising. Did ordering take-out three nights a week greatly increase your footprint – just like it did to mine? Did your utility usage count for almost nothing compared to the impact of your daily commute? Which sites are your favorites (NAEM definitely has a few!) and which ones will you share with your peers & family?
Finally, how do these calculators influence you as you’re revving up to buy & wrap your holiday gifts?
- 3 Degrees
- Berkeley Cool Climate
- British Petroleum
- Carbon Footprint
- Conservation International
- EPA
- Global Footprint Network
- Inconvenient Truth
- Nature Conservancy
- NPR (National Public Radio)
