The New Regulators: Corporate America Takes On Sustainability

Sustainability is in top 5 market pressures along with ensuring quality.

One of the more improbable business changes of our times has been caused by a number of corporations such as Walmart, General Motors, IBM, and others who have taken on the direct responsibility for improving the environment by ensuring that “sustainability” is implemented throughout their respective supply chains.

Sustainability, to corporate America, is a term that describes the goal to increase shareholder and social value by decreasing their organization’s environmental effect through the decreased use of materials and energy in their operations and supply chains. The seriousness of these efforts is reinforced in what are known as game-changing goals, which have been heralded publicly by the media.

…

Want to continue?

By logging in you agree to receive communication from Quality Digest. Privacy Policy.

Create a FREE account

Forgot My Password

Comments

Corporate America Takes on Sustainability - A Closer Look at Wal

I'm sorry, Jack, I don't buy Walmart's sustainability push. Let me explain why. While it is true that Walmart has pushed its onus and green mantle onto its supply chain to do the right thing, I still don't see Walmart stepping up to the plate and do more to install solar PVs at most of its big-box stores, and actually do what it is compelling its suppliers to do - reduce their carbon footprint. So let me put this question squarely on the back of Walmart's Chief of Sustainability - why not? On the other hand, Jack, office superstore Staples (a fellow MA-based organization, Jack) has just passed an important milestone in its solar energy generation, yet Staples is overlooked.

On the bigger picture, I abhor Walmart's "strongarm" tactics onto its supply chain, while Walmart fares dismally with its CSR score - by way of how it treated its employees over sicktime issues, that was ultimately decided in a court of law! Shame on you, Walmart. Maybe some companies fear you more than EPA, but I bet you fear employees' attorneys (and press investigators) more!