Doing good is good for business

Consumers increasingly want businesses to improve their sustainability efforts — and the businesses that do reap the benefits of future-proofing their brands.???

An alliance of forward-thinking business leaders will gather at Furman University this week to discuss how companies can commit to sustainability plans that go beyond vague pledges of environmental stewardship.?

Among the discussions at ‘A Community-Centered Climate Future’, Citizens’ Climate Education’s Southeast Regional Conference at Furman University on April 6 and 7, will be how commerce and climate consciousness can go hand in hand.?

The topic is timely. In July 2023, a national survey found that most consumers want businesses to prioritize environmental sustainability alongside profitability. And, according to a 2020 survey, a majority of millennials would avoid working for an industry with a negative image.

“Doing good is good for business,” says Rick Crawford, Founder and President of Emerger Strategies, a South Carolina consultancy that helps businesses seek quantifiable sustainability. “There’s a real business case for sustainability, including reduced operating costs, enhanced brand reputation, and increased customer loyalty, not to mention attracting and retaining talent, because employees and consumers both want to support brands that align with their values.”

Crawford says he frequently educates clients about the opportunities presented by the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act, including lucrative tax deductions for energy efficiency and clean energy and transportation. Businesses should start by taking a sustainability assessment to calculate their carbon footprint or community impact.?

“At the end of the day, what gets measured gets managed,” he says. “Companies that are able to authentically and transparently communicate their efforts can easily make the business case for sustainability.”

Leaders across the state are increasingly recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities ahead of them. “If society is to meet the challenge of climate change, businesses will have to play a pivotal role,” explains Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, who will moderate a business panel discussion at the April conference. “It’ll take clear commitments backed by pragmatic plans that map to climate science. At the same time, addressing climate change will also require creativity and unique partnerships, and I’m looking forward to exploring some of these topics at the upcoming conference.”

In a world with finite resources, reusing and repurposing materials is an effective supply chain solution.? “A more circular economy reduces environmental impact and fosters innovation and resource efficiency,” says Zeb Parsons, founder of Greenville glass collection business Bricolage Dynamics, which collects household glass and efficiently recycles it into environmentally-friendly sand. “Businesses become more resilient to potential disruptions by diversifying supply chains and anticipating resource shortages.”

Parsons is a member of the Upstate Impact Collective, a network of local businesses and leaders dedicated to promoting community wealth-building and environmental stewardship in South Carolina. The Collective collaborates on projects benefiting the community, reflecting a growing enthusiasm from Upstate businesses to offset environmental impacts while contributing to ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, and the community they serve.

“As sustainable business models become more well known, they raise awareness for both businesses and consumers,” explains Phil Allen, from Greenville’s Liability Brewing Company, a spokesperson for the Collective. “This creates a feedback loop that businesses should listen to and seek out initiatives, including third-party certifications such as B Lab and the Green Restaurant Association.

Liability Brewing became the first brewery in South Carolina to earn B Corp status in 2022. As part of its efforts, Liability Brewing has developed impact reports to provide transparency in its operations, a living wage for employees, and educational opportunities for clientele to learn about advocacy and local community initiatives. Efforts that are well received by a loyal band of customers.

“We see the growth our area is experiencing,” concludes Allen. “We want to ensure that those who are giving back have a seat at the table.”

Allen and other local sustainability business experts will appear at ‘A Community-Centered Climate Future’ on April 6 and 7 at Furman University. Registration is available now on Eventbrite.?