Climate change. Energy security. Water shortages. These perils affect our world and increasingly the ability of businesses to operate profitably. In the face of soaring energy prices and decreasing inventories of natural resources, larger businesses are taking steps to control their costs. In addition, these businesses are implementing environmentally friendly practices in order to manage risks, appeal to a growing base of consumers who make planet-friendly purchasing decisions, meet green procurement standards of business customers, enhance their image, and attract value-driven talent. Combined, these components create a competitive advantage.

The benefits of environmentally friendly practices are also available to smaller organizations. The Green Business Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help organizations incorporate green practices into their operations. Its content blends strategic conversation at the board level with green planning and program management at the middle level, and with how-to direction that spells out actions at the shop level.

This book will give you the guidance your organization needs in order to:

• Understand the environmental factors that are influencing businesses’ ability to operate profitably.
• Evaluate the benefits of going green.
• Develop a plan for transforming your organization into a green business.
• Identify specific actions to reduce energy use, reduce water use, control packaging waste, and use resources efficiently.
• Communicate and report on your environmental successes.

The Green Business Guide also contains dozens of user-friendly checklists for every facet of making a business more environmentally friendly. By following the guidance contained in this book, organizations will position themselves as leaders in the marketplace, in their industry, and in the communities in which they operate. Businesses are recognizing the importance of being responsible corporate citizens, not only to avoid negative publicity and brand erosion, but also to enjoy benefits that translate directly to the bottom line.