Global Sustainability - The Evolving Corporate Directive - Part III

The world seems so much smaller now as, together, we face a global pandemic. Individuals are more aware of detailed geography, from a global level down to their local counties, at a level arguably unmatched in history. Companies have embraced their role as high impact global influencers and have placed health and well-being above profits. For those interested in global sustainability, actions taken by corporations and governments bode well for an improved future!

As I've mentioned before, I'm an unusual advocate for this topic. My personal beliefs lean towards small government and capitalism, both of which many view at odds with sustainability. I, however, see them as perfectly aligned. In my career, I've traveled the world and experienced pollution that made my eyes burn and tears flow, I've seen 36" pipes free flowing manufacturing waste into rivers, and I've walked streets that were piled with garbage nearing my height. These experiences were all outside of my home country, yet they are not contained to the areas within which they occurred: Air pollution travels, water pollution travels, and festering garbage pollutes both our global air and water supplies. So, just as with a pandemic that began elsewhere, we must all work together to address sustainability!

Envisioning every individual and organization with shared responsibility for global sustainability, within a financially conscious construct, mentally reduces this challenge to a more manageable size. As Dan Heath would say, let's focus on "shrinking the change". Imagine... when your calendar indicates that you need to travel for a meeting, your watch notifies you of the environmental impact and encourages a more sustainable alternative. Or, as a business manager, when faced with a procurement decision, a cost vs. sustainability index meter informs you of the environmental viability of your planned solution. Through these small yet high impact choices, individuals are empowered with the data needed to make simultaneously wise environmental and financial choices.

Now that we've successfully "shrunk the change", technologists must tackle the behind-the-scenes complexity. In my demonstrative architecture, included below, I aspire to open dialogue regarding attacking sustainability with smart choices; both environmentally and financially. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!