Based on our experience at The ESG Institute, bringing a divided team together on sustainability goals requires two things: EMPATHY and STRATEGY. My Dos & Don’ts: Do: Facilitate open discussions to uncover underlying concerns and identify shared priorities. I align this approach with Peter Senge’s concept of “learning organizations,” where dialogue fosters collaboration and shared vision. Don’t: Assume resistance means lack of interest. Often, it stems from misunderstandings or conflicting priorities. Provide clear education on the impact of sustainability and link goals to the team’s broader mission, ensuring everyone feels invested in the outcome.

To unite my team on sustainability goals, I'll: 1. Host open discussions 2. Provide education and training 3. Set collaborative objectives 4. Establish key performance indicators 5. Lead by example Empowering a culture of innovation, transparency, and accountability will drive collective action for the planet.

To unite a divided team on sustainability goals, I would foster open dialogue to understand individual perspectives, align them with the shared mission of prioritizing the planet, and emphasize the long-term benefits of sustainability for both the organization and society. I would highlight the interconnectedness of environmental responsibility with team and organizational success, establish clear, measurable goals, and implement inclusive decision-making to ensure everyone feels heard. By celebrating small wins and providing resources to support sustainability efforts, I would inspire collective ownership, driving the team to work collaboratively towards impactful, planet-positive outcomes.

When your team is divided on sustainability goals, fostering unity requires understanding differing perspectives and finding common ground. Start by facilitating open discussions to uncover concerns, values, and motivations behind the division. Highlight shared objectives, such as cost efficiency or innovation, that align with sustainability. Use data and case studies to demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable practices, and involve the team in setting achievable, inclusive goals. Encourage collaboration by assigning roles that leverage individual strengths while focusing on the collective mission. Celebrating small wins along the way can also build momentum and strengthen commitment to unified action.

From my experience ensuring that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a scalable low carbon or zero energy buildings practice needs out of the box thinking. It can begin with deep integration of usually dormant building structure with HVAC enables active year round Thermal Energy Storage that bolsters climate smart low carbon building edge. It leads to more balanced energy grid aims to simplify the adoption of zero energy buildings by providing hassle-free simplification solution. Net Zero rechargeable building model eliminates upfront additional costs, making installations an attractive and feasible option for a wide range of building types. How important is the impact on cost effective design and building better buildings today.