There is always a misconception that sustainability could mean extra expense for a company.
However, this may actually be a myth. In the Vancouver Sun article, “six B.C. businesses [were] cited as success stories in finding savings by reducing energy consumption.” Companies such as Mountain Equipment Co-op found that the company could lower 38 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions and at the same time reducing its shipping costs. Karen Jawl, sustainability corrdinator from Jawl Properties has noted that by changing their company’s energy consumption, they have found new opportunities. Being aware of the environment has been a strong issue in the world today.
This external factor has created mutiple opportunities for companies to thrive. This article showed us that we could have the best of both worlds; where companies can be sustainable at the same time as helping the company save on operational costs and other energy usage related costs.
As discussed in class, companies are not only socially responsible in the aspect of making profits, but are also socially responsible for catering to the interests and concerns for the world. Knowing that being socially responsible can positively affect the company, new tactics and strategies could improve the company.
Source: “Going Green can be good for the Planet and the bottom line.” The Vancovuer Sun. October 4, 2010