The Leader - November/December 2007 - (Page 71)

IND ustr y tr a c k er One is that we now have a formal, objective validation that a critical piece of the triple bottom line – the profit component – is indeed attainable. The survey is about the built environment, but it supports the case for sustainability in the broader sense, too. We’ve reached the trigger point where sustainability surpasses early adoption. It’s going mainstream, like our workplace practices which in themselves are sustainable. The survey results add another page to CRE’s growing leadership lexicon. The direct feedback of members and other industry professionals from a comprehensive geographic and industrysector viewpoint is tied to the views and attitudes of the business units and C-Suites that our network supports. By gaining a clearer understanding of the business case for sustainability – which is what the survey results will ultimately provide – CoreNet Global members have again positioned themselves to play a leadership role inside the global enterprise, as we’re doing with M&A’s, decision support, location strategies, and more. (See May 2007 LEADER Industry Tracker on industry leadership roles.) The survey is a watershed for other reasons, too. For one, it clearly implies that multinational companies are buying into the idea of socially r esponsible globalization on a wide scale. Another reason is that the myths surrounding sustainability are fading away and the recognition of its true value is filling the vacuum. In tracking the industry, we’ve defined sustainability as a holistic supply chain practice. (See March 2007 LEADER Industry Tracker on “The New Uber-Sustainability.”) We learned there have been many false assumptions delaying its wider adoption. Now that we’re at a turning point, it’s a good time to shatter some illusions. We’ve been tracking the myths of sustainable practice since February, but they resonate even more nearly a year later. What’s your view? Chances are, you’re way more informed for this dialogue than you were a year or two ago – an indicator in itself of a new mind set. Ne W laWs fo r b usI Ne s s s uc c e s s Here’s something worth repeating from last March’s Tracker on “The New Uber-Sustainability.” There’s an ethos of social responsibility emerging on a global scale, often without the influence or impact of governments. That sense of responsibility – representing a sort of new-world order – centers on global companies. The new order brings 9 key rules: n Size means scrutiny Cutting costs raises compliance risk Strategy must involve society Reducing risks means building trust Satisfying shareholders means satisfying stakeholders n the 10 myths of sustainability Many of the points below reinforce false assumptions while others refute them. Of course, there are as many additional assumptions and refutations as there are actual cases proving the main point: Sustainability is now ingrained as an accepted business practice in the global enterprise. it’s just a passing fad. n Hardly – the Center for Corporate Citizenship was started 30 years ago. n Plus, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index was introduced in 1999 n Moreover, the broad audience we recently surveyed says it’s an important issue now and will remain so for the long term n n n n Global growth requires global gains Productivity requires sustainability Differentiation relies on reputation Good governance needs good representation n n n Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship 2 0 07 the le aDe r 71 November / December

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - November/December 2007

The Leader - November/December 2007 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Investing in India 110 to One Smaller Workspaces, Better Workspaces Innovating the Workplace Through Design Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Getting It Right Using Location Intelligence to Reinvent Franchises Philips International’s Ron Blanken CB Richard Ellis’ Karen Ellzey The State of Louisiana’s Mike Olivier Industry Tracker Economic Developer Directory Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Emerging Leader Economic Development in the News A Look Ahead Executive Development Spotlight

The Leader - November/December 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.