NEWS STORY: Ashkin Says Term "Sustainability" Is Evolving Once Again
The Sustainability Journey
"Most likely, this is because #sustainability is a journey," says Steve Ashkin, CEO and Founder of The Ashkin Group and the professional cleaning industry’s leading advocate for Green Cleaning and
Sustainability. "Like any #journey, there is always something new around the corner."
The term is also evolving as it applies to businesses. In 2018, Harvard Business School listed two ways a business could measure its sustainability:
1)The effect the business has on the #environment.
2)The impact the business has on society.
"These views were expansive and could cover several metrics," says Ashkin.
"For instance, they could apply to steps a business is taking to cut #greenhousegas emissions, reduce energy and #water consumption, or just ensure physical waste is disposed of properly."
However, Ashkin believes “sustainability” is taking on a new, more specific meaning. "It’s now becoming a #businessstrategy for 'generational’ companies."
Generational companies include businesses of all shapes and sizes, from mom-and-pops to corporate giants.
"The concept of #generationalcompanies traditionally evokes thoughts of a family business, created with the specific intent of being passed on to future generations in the family," says Ashkin.
"However, generational companies also include companies such as Procter & Gamble, S.C. Johnson, or Kimberly-Clark. They have put into practice sustainable business operations to help ensure they last for generations to come."
So, what are some of these sustainable practices? According to Ashkin, these companies:
Are #missiondriven. They have a mission to protect the environment, the lives of their staff, and their local community.
Are #profitable . They have a long-term growth strategy that helps mitigate risk and drives profitability.
Care about their #customers. They develop long-term business relationships with their customers, with whom they hope to do business for generations to come.
Create #healthyworkplaces. A healthy workplace not only benefits employees, but also helps improve worker performance.
“And one more thing,” adds Ashkin. “Companies that use sustainability as a business strategy are always re-thinking and re-imaging possibilities. It really is a journey.”
#sustainable #growth #school #energy
