Certified success: Integrating sustainability into corporate management systems

Abstract

Environmental certification is a costly proposal if it is merely added to a company's existing practices to appease consumer sentiment. In the forest products industry, this add-on-approach to sustainability has not produced financially successful companies. If sustainability goals are integrated into the core business values, however, they can generate savings that can offset the increased costs of conforming to standards. Drawing from the organizational management literature and two examples in the forest industry, we find that senior managers must assume leadership in making sustainable practices a core business value, then establish a rigorous environmental management system and confirm the company's commitment by implementing training and reward programs for employees. Unlike quick fixes, which do not generate consistent results throughout the organization, full integration is the best way to achieve sustainability.