Why You Should Start a Sustainability Council at Your Company
Businesses everywhere are recognizing the importance of integrating sustainability into their operations. One way CSI DMC has done this is by establishing a sustainability council. But what exactly does that mean?
What is a Sustainability Council?
A sustainability council is an employee driven think tank of passionate individuals from various departments, focused on developing resources, education, and opportunities to support more sustainable practices within their company. Each member brings unique skills and knowledge to the table, contributing thoughtful ideas and strategies that drive sustainability forward across all departments.
Education is central to their mission. The council members learn about and share the latest sustainable practices, empowering coworkers, clients, and industry colleagues to adopt greener habits.
Beyond its educational efforts, the council takes active steps to drive change through initiatives like launching green partnership opportunities and advocating for energy-efficient technologies. These initiatives help to reduce the company's environmental footprint and foster a culture of sustainability within the organization.
In addition to internal improvements, the council extends its impact by developing sustainable solutions for their coworkers to share with clients. This might involve creating strategies for local, eco-friendly gifting options, suggesting energy-efficient event planning methods, or helping clients identify ways to achieve their own sustainability goals.
Why Start a Sustainability Council at Your Company?
Starting a sustainability council provides your company with a structured framework to address environmental challenges. This council acts as a platform for employees to share their insights and suggestions on areas where they believe meaningful changes should occur. By empowering employees to voice their ideas, the council fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility and taps into a diverse range of perspectives, leading to innovative, relevant solutions.
A dedicated council can assist your company in exploring the broad scope of sustainable practices and discovering ways to integrate environmentally conscious strategies across all areas of the business. Moreover, a commitment to sustainability can enhance your brand image, attract eco-conscious customers, and foster a positive work environment that values social responsibility. By establishing such a council, your company takes meaningful steps toward a sustainable future, benefiting both the planet and your business.
Advice for Organizations Looking to Form Their Own Sustainability Council
Establishing a sustainability council may initially feel overwhelming, but taking small, strategic steps yields meaningful results. Start by setting attainable goals and involving employees from diverse departments to bring different perspectives to the table. Open communication is crucial, so encourage dialogue and idea-sharing among team members. Look beyond your industry for insights and learn from the experiences of others, both successes and challenges. Make education a fundamental part of your council's mission by offering opportunities for certification and continuous learning. By nurturing a culture of empowerment and growth, your organization can significantly contribute to building a sustainable future.
“Begin with goals that are immediately achievable as a team, ensuring you respect everyone's time and allow each member to contribute in ways they can. Grow from there.” - Amberlee Huggins, SES (Sustainable Event Strategist), CMO, CSI DMC
The Inspiration and Vision Behind CSI DMC’s Sustainability Council
Recognizing the environmental impact of our business, we are dedicated to reducing it and paving the way for a more sustainable future. To spearhead this effort, we established the CSI DMC Sustainability Council. This council provides essential resources and develops educational materials to support the creation of more sustainable events.
Our primary objective is to deliver meaningful events that not only minimize ecological impact but also maximize positive social impact. Each council member has the opportunity to become certified as a Sustainable Event Planner (SEP) through the Events Industry Council (EIC). This certification aligns with our goals and enhances education for both our team and clients who aspire to host more sustainable events.
Complementing these efforts, we have launched an important initiative: monthly internal newsletters. These newsletters equip our team with valuable insights into sustainable vendors, offer practical tools for clients to organize more environmentally friendly events, and include educational resources for further learning.
By aligning our values with our clients' objectives, we strive to organize events that positively impact the environment and local communities, while simultaneously fostering a sense of empowerment within our organization.
The Power of Collaboration in Driving Sustainability
Collaboration is at the heart of any successful sustainability effort. By bringing together individuals from across the organization, a sustainability council can leverage diverse perspectives and expertise. Involving employees in the decision-making process ensures that the initiatives undertaken are relevant and impactful, reflecting the collective vision of the team. This strengthens the council’s efforts and cultivates a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and committed to driving sustainability forward. Engaging with local communities and partners further enhances these efforts, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the company’s circle.
So, what are you waiting for? Start a sustainability council and embark on a journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future, benefiting both the planet and your business.
Stay connected with our Sustainability Council members: