Successful Corporate Sustainability Programs Share a Common Foundation

February 1, 2010

Companies of all sizes are feeling increased pressure from employees, customers, and the market to develop an effective corporate sustainability strategy and act in an environmentally responsible manner.  However, a company looking to implement a sustainability program for the first time faces a number of challenges:  determining priorities, setting goals, and measuring results, just to name a few. 

According to a new white paper from Pike Research, successful sustainability initiatives are supported by three key pillars:  executive buy-in from the start, creation of an effective sustainability committee, and the establishment of clear and measurable sustainability goals.  The paper, which includes an analysis of best practices for launching a corporate sustainability program, is available for free download on Pike Research’s website.

“The simple truth is that very few companies have truly effective sustainability programs, even those who have published impressive-looking corporate sustainability reports,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “Our research indicates that the most successful programs are formed from the inside out, encompassing product design and production, company operations, and sales and marketing.”   

Pike Research’s paper, “Developing a Sustainability Strategy”, examines best practices for planning and implementing a corporate sustainability program.  It explores company motivations for establishing sustainability initiative, outlines steps for getting the program off the ground, describes key sustainability areas to consider, and profiles three companies – Research In Motion, Shaw Industries Group, and CA – who have successfully launched corporate sustainability initiatives.  The report forms part of Pike Research’s Corporate Sustainability Advisory Service, and a full copy of the white paper is available for free download on the firm’s website

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.284.9609.