Ensuring environmental sustainability is an important part of corporate social responsibility. With consumers around the globe increasingly concerned about environmental protection, businesses of all kinds have responded by ‘greening’ more and more of their operations.
In his latest Headline Finance column, the Chairman uses Starbucks as an example of how brick-and-mortar companies can successfully build a green image. In Starbucks’ case, the brand has grabbed headlines by announcing their intention to eliminate in-store disposable straws by 2020 and to develop new stores using recycled containers.
In the events industry, something similar is occurring with the growth of ‘green events’. But as the Chairman observes, these can only embody genuine sustainability when organisers manage them as such right from the start. This allows for real integration of environmentally friendly elements and details, and will encourage stakeholders to make their own green contributions as well. Apart from that, event planners and agencies on their own can take the initiative to provide their clients with environmentally responsible solutions.
In conclusion, the Chairman points out that sustainability must be regarded as more than an image-building garnish if it is to actually improve a company’s competiveness and bottom line. At the end of the day, going green must be demonstrably real, with roots that extend deep into their business and operational strategies.
*The above is a summary of the original Chinese article. In case of dispute, the Chinese version shall be regarded as definitive.
