Green programs in companies today tend to target three top categories as their benchmarks: natural resource stewardship, sustainability, and climate protection. Corporations are continuing the trajectory to implement strategies that address one or more of the metrics listed. The following five have made exceptional progress by developing programs that set standards.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
The largest rental car company in the world leads the way with more fuel efficient cars on the road than their counterparts. This trend offers consumers the benefit of trying-out the hybrid or electric models such as Prius and Leaf when they rent. Executives at the company say this strategy has been a catalyst for increased sales in this class of vehicle. In addition, the company has committed to planting millions of trees in the United States.
Continental Airlines
Decreasing greenhouse gases has been the biggest factor for this brand’s strategy. They have invested several billion dollars in a new fleet of fuel-efficient airplanes and additional steps include hiring a department of environmentalists equipped with bachelors in occupational safety or emergency management degrees. These professionals work to reduce other emissions such as nitrogen oxide at their hubs including Houston. Recycling across the entire company infrastructure continues efforts to incorporate a holistic approach to the program as well.
Home Depot
This fortune 500 behemoth was motivated by a high-profile jostle with the consumer. The results are no foresting of older wood from endangered species. The company reports that this has not hurt their revenue and profits and they have established the “certified label” wood product that is environmentally friendly. A goal of setting the new standard with this line of commodities has been the flagshi p of their green program.
SC Johnson
A few chemical brands have implemented green programs to halt the damage to the world’s ecosystems. SC Johnson has taken the lead by reducing chemicals such as polyvinylidene chloride and other hazardous materials introduced into the environment. The results have prevented millions of pounds of these substances from entering communities. After addressing the water and soil issues, they turned their efforts to the air. The company has shuttered several coal-fired facilities in lieu of natural and methane gas plants with admirable results.
Hewlett Packard
Here is an environmental impact of 21st century innovation. HP has established the most extensive recycling program to date for computers and related products. They operate the largest “e-waste” plants to shred unwanted items. The program goes further by using the materials for new devices. They are the only computer giant to accept all brands.
Lowering emissions and bolstering natural resources are the rationale for big brands setting eco-friendly trends. The advantages have compelled competitors to follow suit. Green programs have also paid incentives to the company’s other green bottom lines.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.