Sustainability in Business – Embracing Green Practices in Licking County

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the business world; it is a critical element

of long-term business strategy. Across the globe, businesses are taking steps to

integrate sustainable practices into their operations, and Licking County is no exception.

From large corporations to local startups, companies are embracing sustainability not

only as a way to minimize their environmental footprint but also as a means to enhance

their brand, attract talent, and foster long-term growth.

Why Sustainability Matters for Licking County Businesses

Sustainability has become a significant factor in consumer decision-making. With a

growing preference for eco-conscious brands, consumers are seeking out products and

services that align with their values, particularly when it comes to the environment.

According to a 2024 Nielsen survey,?73% of consumers?are willing to pay more for

products from companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. This

shift in consumer behavior is prompting companies in Licking County to reassess their

business models and adopt sustainable practices that not only reduce environmental

impact but also meet consumer demand.

As local businesses make the transition to more sustainable operations, they are not

just contributing to environmental preservation—they are also positioning themselves

for long-term success. A study by the Harvard Business Review reveals that companies

with strong sustainability commitments often outperform their competitors,

reporting?20% higher returns on investment (ROI). This makes sustainability not just

an ethical choice but a financially sound strategy for growth.

Local businesses in Licking County are actively taking part in this shift, integrating eco-

friendly practices into their operations and achieving measurable results in areas like

energy consumption, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.

Local Leaders Highlight Sustainability’s Importance

Chris Green, Illuminates CEO, stated that sustainability is core to their business

model, focusing on creating energy-efficient solutions for the built environment. He

emphasized, Our approach to sustainability is integrated into everything we do, from

product design to operations. Its not just about reducing emissions; its about creating a

lasting impact on our community and the planet.

Vic Grizzle, President and CEO of Armstrong, has made it clear that sustainability is

a key pillar of the company’s strategy. He remarked, At Armstrong, we remain

committed to driving positive change in everything we do. Our sustainability efforts are a

testament to our company’s values, and we are proud of our progress over the last

years

Armando Castro, Owner of Express Employment Professionals in Licking County,

also recognizes the value of sustainability from an employee attraction

standpoint.?“Green businesses not only enhance their brand but also attract top-tier

talent who value sustainable operations. Today’s workforce, especially younger

generations, are actively seeking out companies that are committed to sustainability and

social responsibility,”?he says.

As more employees and job seekers are becoming more socially conscious, companies

that integrate sustainability into their operations are likely to attract not only customers

but also the skilled workforce they need to grow. This is especially important as Licking

County continues to experience rapid economic growth, with an increasing need for

highly skilled workers in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Innovative Examples of Sustainability in Action

A prime example of Licking County businesses embracing sustainability is ExpandOS,

a company that has made significant strides in reducing environmental waste. By

focusing on innovative packaging solutions, ExpandOS has shifted away from traditional

plastic packaging in favor of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Their eco-friendly

products not only align with global sustainability trends but also support a circular

economy, making a lasting impact on both the environment and the local business

community.

From the outset, ExpandOS has prioritized sustainability, positioning itself as a forward-

thinking leader in the county’s growing green movement. Their commitment to

environmentally responsible practices is evident in their use of SFI-certified paper and

soy-based ink, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining the functionality and

durability of packaging. As demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise,

ExpandOS’s proactive approach demonstrates how businesses can drive positive

change while meeting consumer demand for eco-conscious products

Local organizations like?Grow Licking County?are helping these startups thrive by

providing grants, mentorship, and resources that help companies innovate in

sustainable ways. Grow Licking County’s Executive Director,?Sarah Jenkins,

notes,?“The rise of eco-conscious startups in Licking County is a testament to the

growing demand for sustainable products and services. We are excited to see more

local businesses innovating in this space, and we are committed to supporting them as

they scale.”

Sustainability’s Role in Attracting Investment

Sustainability is not only a key factor for consumers and employees but also for

investors. In an era where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are

becoming increasingly important, businesses that fail to adopt sustainable practices

may miss out on crucial investment opportunities. For instance, large corporations and

institutional investors are increasingly prioritizing companies with robust ESG

commitments, recognizing the long-term value of sustainable practices.

Licking County, with its growing reputation for innovation and eco-conscious business

practices, has become a hub for investment. The region’s commitment to sustainability,

coupled with its business-friendly environment, makes it an attractive destination for

companies looking to expand or relocate. Economic development agencies like?Grow

Licking County?are working tirelessly to create an ecosystem that supports sustainable

business practices while fostering economic growth.

Jill Dodd, Senior Director of Economic Development at Grow Licking County,

shares,?“Businesses that prioritize sustainability are not only improving their bottom

lines but also positioning themselves as leaders in the community. We are proud to work

with companies that are committed to making a positive impact on both the environment

and the local economy.”

As businesses in Licking County adopt sustainable practices, they are likely to see

increased interest from investors who recognize the long-term value of aligning with

eco-conscious companies. By prioritizing green initiatives, these businesses are

positioning themselves for growth and attracting investment that supports their goals for

expansion and innovation.

The Future of Sustainability in Licking County

The momentum toward sustainability in Licking County shows no signs of slowing down.

As more businesses integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations, it is clear that

sustainability will continue to be a driving force in the region’s economic development.

The collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government

agencies will be crucial in ensuring that Licking County remains a leader in sustainable

business practices.

For businesses looking to embark on their sustainability journey, it’s important to

recognize that sustainability is not just about reducing waste or lowering carbon

emissions. It’s about creating a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of

the business, from operations to customer engagement to talent attraction.

As local leaders like Tom McDonald, Armando Castro, and Sarah Jenkins have pointed

out, embracing sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s good for business.

Whether it’s through implementing green building technologies, investing in renewable

energy, or supporting sustainable product lines, businesses in Licking County are

proving that sustainability can be a powerful driver of growth and innovation.

Final thoughts: Sustainability as a Key Business Strategy

In Licking County, sustainability is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of

business success. From large corporations like Owens Corning to innovative startups,

local businesses are embracing sustainability not only as a way to reduce their

environmental impact but also as a strategic opportunity to enhance their brand, attract

top talent, and position themselves for long-term success. As more businesses adopt

sustainable practices, Licking County will continue to be a leader in driving positive

environmental change while fostering economic growth.