People, planet, profits.
First coined in the 1980s, the term "triple bottom line" expands the measurement of organizational success far beyond business-as-usual economics. And it's the focus of the newly minted
Greater Cincinnati Green Business Council.
This area's first "green" collaboration of local business leaders is dedicated to expanding the spectrum and values of success into sustainability while increasing their bottom lines.
The driving force behind this new council is
Cintas, a Cincinnati-based corporation that provides nationwide business support ranging from uniforms and first aid safety to cleaning products and document management.
Cintas has been a local leader in sustainable business initiatives, switching to green detergents, recycling everything from paper to hangers, saving gas with combined routing, and creating a line of business clothing that is made of 100 percent recycled polyester.
Cintas noticed that some of its nation-wide clients belonged to green business councils in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other metropolitan areas. "So we decided to reach out into our own backyard," says Melanie Boyle, environmental sustainability specialist for Cintas.
The reaction was immediate.
In addition to Cintas, six other major companies quickly signed on to share best practices, lead by example and consider the role of both culture and technology in sustainability:
Procter & Gamble,
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America,
Melink Corporation,
Macy's,
Luxottica Group and
Fifth Third Bank.
"One of our core values is giving back to the communities in which we operate, so advancing sustainability in the Greater Cincinnati area through the GCGBC is a natural extension of these values," said William Gates, Macy's director of paper, print media services and sustainability, in a press release announcing the council's formation.
Already, some member companies are adopting green ideas shared at the first council meetings. Cintas is saving paper now through double-sided copying, a practice picked up via the council.
Boyle sees the benefits of the collective knowledge within the group. "Learning about the advantages and ways to overcome obstacles with a project or initiative from another company who has already gone down the path is a great advantage for the rest of the group."
Since the launch of its website, the Greater Cincinnati Green Business Council has had 70 requests for more information from local businesses. Some of them may have just started to "think green" and could learn the most from this new council.
"We want their commitment and a willingness to drive projects" like composting and water conservation, says Boyle. "People are very excited to talk about what's going on in Cincinnati."
By Becky Johnson
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