Overview

Companies around the world are combining environmental and social responsibility to achieve improved financial performance. Yet, with the many elements that go into a strategic sustainability plan, businesses and their employees often get mired in the details. The first part of this book shows step-by-step how to define a sustainability plan that fits your organization. The second part is a choose-your-own-adventure reference guide to environmental and social initiatives that will help improve your bottom line. Adam Hammes weaves together easy-to-understand models, business examples, and personal stories from his years of experience. Drawing from his time as the first manager of sustainability for Kum & Go, an independent sustainability consultant, and the executive director of the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum, the book explains what sustainable business means and documents the well-researched ways in which environmental and social responsibility programs unfold inside companies. Over 30 case studies from responsible Iowa businesses illustrate exactly what you can do to assess your organization and take the next successful step. Some of these examples you will recognize, and hopefully many will be new. Sustainable Business in Iowa provides a simple framework for any professional who is committed to environmental and social performance, but who feels stuck and unsure of where to go next. The Five Stage Journey - Learn the five stages of corporate sustainability initiatives. Know where you stand, so you can prepare for a successful move to the next stage. Related Issues - Learn how environmental and social issues develop in their later stages. Discover how working on related issues separately can severely limit success. Advancing Stages - Learn what moves a company from one stage of an initiative to the next. Grasp how to facilitate that transition, generate momentum fast, and save time. Envision an Iowa where every business professional understands how to lead financially, environmentally, and socially responsible change in the workplace. Envision an Iowa where more and more local companies are seen as national and global leaders in sustainable business. Sustainable Business in Iowa shows you how that future is possible. For every paperback sold, $1 is donated to Net Impact and ENACTUS (Entrepreneurship Action Us). Thank you for helping future generations lead environmentally and socially responsible businesses of tomorrow.

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9780692079195

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Reviews

If you are new to sustainable business or need to energize your environmental and social efforts, this book is a priceless resource for companies of all sizes. I recognized every stage of the five-stage sustainability journey from professional experience. These are genuine, meaningful, and economically sensible ways for your company to evolve its operations. â Andrea Shriver, Co-Founder, Raining Rose and Eco Lips A must read for Iowans seeking sustainability inspiration. Adam reminds us--professionals, advocates, and students alike--that it's not just businesses in San Francisco, London, and Geneva with environmentally and socially responsible stories to tell. We have role models right here in the heartland. â Seth Petchers, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, Frontier Co-op Adam has crafted a novice-to-expert encyclopedia to help businesses navigate their 5-stage sustainability journey. This book covers the why, what, and how of company environmental and social initiatives, enlivened with real cases of Iowa companies reaping quantified benefits. It is a practical guide for anyone wanting to thrive in the turbulent 21st century business environment, and should be required reading for all MBA students, managers, and executives. â Bob Willard, Author and Speaker, The New Sustainability Advantage and Sustainability Champion's Guidebook This book is put together very well, making corporate sustainability easier to understand and implement. It should be required reading for all business students. â Ronald Frantzen, Executive Director of Facilities Management, McFarland Clinic This is a great read for anyone looking to enhance the sustainability and success of their company. The chapters are easy to read, and the case studies are practical to apply. They are valuable now and will be for years to come. â Russ O'Rourke, EHS Professional, CSMP, 15 Years of Industry Experience

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