28 minutes
|
August 6, 2024
#6 Sustainability = Profit ?
Bridging sustainability strategies and financial performance with Tensie Whelan
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About The Speaker
Joining me today is Tensie Whelan, Distinguished Professor of Practice for Business and Society and the Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. She has 25 years of experience working on local, national, and international environmental and sustainability issues. As President of the Rainforest Alliance, she built the organization from a $4.5 million to $50 million budget, transforming the engagement of business with sustainability. Tensie serves on the advisory boards of ALO Advisors, Giant Ventures, and Nespresso and is an Advisor to the Future Economy Project for Harvard Business Review.Joining me today is Tensie Whelan, Distinguished Professor of Practice for Business and Society and the Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. She has 25 years of experience working on local, national, and international environmental and sustainability issues. As President of the Rainforest Alliance, she built the organization from a $4.5 million to $50 million budget, transforming the engagement of business with sustainability. Tensie serves on the advisory boards of ALO Advisors, Giant Ventures, and Nespresso and is an Advisor to the Future Economy Project for Harvard Business Review.
Episode Description
Can embedding sustainability into your business strategy really boost your bottom line? Join us as Tensie Whelan, an expert in sustainable business practices, reveals how the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) framework can drive financial performance through operational efficiency, innovation, and risk mitigation. She shares compelling examples from the apparel and automotive sectors, demonstrating that genuine commitment to environmental and social issues isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. This episode delves into whether we’ve reached peak ESG and why material issues remain critical for long-term competitive advantage.
Why aren’t businesses measuring the impact of their sustainability efforts, and how can they start? Tensie tackles this paradox by highlighting the shortcomings of current accounting systems and the necessity of showcasing financial returns within a capitalist framework. We explore powerful case studies from industries like automotive and pulp and paper, illustrating the significant financial gains achievable through sustainable practices. Dive into the substantial benefits within supply chains, consumer trends favoring sustainably marketed products, and effective messaging that resonates across political divides. From sustainable sourcing to the importance of certifications, discover how to make a compelling business case for sustainability investments.
Additional inspirations from Tensie Whelan
- Ongoing GreenBiz series
- Tensie’s LinkedIn and NYU Center for Sustainable Business (CSB’s) LinkedIn
- News and Insights page of CSB’s website that has the latest publications from Tensie
- Free, online asynchronous course created by Tensie How to Embed Sustainability Core to Business Strategy and Drive Competitive Advantage
