Not So Fast!

Now more than ever, consumers and shareholders are expecting major corporations to do their part to protect the environment.  Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of natural resources have all been attributed to global economic development.  As a result, global corporations are assumed to be primarily profit driven and environmentally agnostic. 

Media headlines are filled with stories of corporate greenwashing.  Nestle, Volkswagen, Exxon, BP, DuPont, and General Motors are just a few companies who have made substantial investments in creating a perception that they are good corporate citizens and care about the environment.  Upon further investigation, these organizations’ business practices or products were in direct conflict of what is considered “environmentally friendly.”  The misbehavior of a few corporations and the many headlines of corporate greenwashing, not only have negatively impacted organizations’ reputations but has eroded consumer trust of corporations worldwide.  

Not so fast!

Many corporations take environmental sustainability seriously.  Over the last two decades, major corporations have made significant contributions and commitments to the environment and their shareholders.  Corporations who are serious about environmental sustainability, demonstrate that commitment by establishing publicly reported targets to reduce air emissions, water use, waste to landfill, and energy consumption. 

Shareholders are holding these organizations accountable by evaluating their ability to achieve environmental sustainability and hitting company’s where it hurts when they fail.  Corporate environmental sustainability has the attention of shareholders and potential investors and often is a deciding factor for investment.   Companies are answering the hard questions from investors about climate change, water scarcity, air quality, waste, and its’ impact on the environment.  What are these companies doing to make a change?  Do organizations care enough about the environment to make an investment and make a difference? 

Let’s take a closer look at one company stepping up to the plate to make a difference in environmental sustainability. 

Abbott, a global healthcare company with over 80 manufacturing sites around the world, brings life-changing health technologies to customers in over 150 countries.  Here is what Abbott’s CEO Miles White, says about sustainability, “By driving our business to achieve positive economic, social and environmental impact, Abbott is delivering life-changing technologies, creating value in communities worldwide and achieving sustainable growth.” To demonstrate the company’s commitment to the environment, the following information below outlines the goals and achievements of the company. 

While there are many negative stories of corporate misbehavior related to sustainability and greenwashing, there are numerous companies who care about our planet and are actively involved in saving it for the next generation.  Abbott is just one. 

To learn more about Abbott’s sustainability initiatives and reporting, please visit http://www.abbott.com/sustainability