Is sustainability at odds with profitability?

In this week’s reflection episode, I tackle the tension between sustainability and profitability. Hear from past guests Eleanor Allen of B Lab, Karine Rouge of Veolia, David Lewis of MoveEV, and Kristina Lund from Pattern Energy. We unpack how good business can be both profitable and sustainable, the importance of considering multiple stakeholders, and the need to stay agile in a rapidly changing market.

Listen to the excerpts and understand the lessons on profitability from the guests’ collective perspective. And then, if you are curious, go back and listen to the full episode that piques your interest the most.

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Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

• Eleanor Allen: Lead Executive for B Lab Global, an organization that has certified over 7,300 enterprises globally as benefit or B Corps.
• Karine Rouge: CEO of Veolia North America Municipal Water.
• Dave Lewis: CEO of Move EV, a green tech company focused on driving electric vehicle adoption.
• Kristina Lund: President of Pattern Energy Group.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Cecilia Edwards explores the profitability of sustainability efforts and how they impact businesses. She addresses common concerns and questions that business leaders have regarding the financial impact of sustainability initiatives. Through reflections on conversations with various guests, she uncovers insights and examples that demonstrate the compatibility of profitability and sustainability. The episode emphasizes the importance of a robust sustainability strategy, the multi-stakeholder approach to profitability, and the need for businesses to stay current in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Thousands of certified B Corps have proven that sustainability efforts can positively impact a company’s long-term financial performance.
• A solid sustainability strategy can reduce risk, create brand value, and contribute to long-term profitability.
• Balancing the interests of different stakeholders, such as customers and communities, is crucial for sustainable profitability.
• Adaptability and staying current with technological advancements and market trends are essential for businesses to capitalize on opportunities and remain profitable.

Notable Quotes:

• “Good business is good for business.” – Eleanor Allen
• “Renewables will best serve our customers because they are the lowest cost form of energy.” – Kristina Lund
• “It’s much less expensive to maintain and operate an electric vehicle.” – Dave Lewis

Resources:

• B Lab Global: Website
• Veolia North America: Website
• Move EV: Website
• Pattern Energy Group: Website

To listen to the full episode and gain more insights into the profitability of sustainability efforts, tune in to the podcast. Stay engaged, stay curious, and keep making an impact.