If you're a pragmatic businessperson who's been reluctant to move towards being "green," the information on this page will help you wave the green flag with more enthusiasm.

One excellent source for understanding the indirect (and direct) benefits of “going green” is a report called “Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.” * All of the quotes on this page come from that report, which is available here.

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Corporate responsibility (CR)
• Sustainable development
• Corporate citizenship

Second, you might be surprised to know that “Business media have generally accepted that ‘enlightened self interest’ is a perfectly reasonable motivation for CR initiatives.”

So, if you can’t sincerely say that you’re a tree-hugger, don’t. “In fact, when companies pitch CR stories in this business context – that is, are candid about enlightened self-interest being the impetus for action – it tends to resonate better with the media than declarations like, ‘We did it because it was the right thing to do.”

For us, the most stunning finding was the result of this simple poll:

Assuming all compensation and benefits are the same, how likely are you to leave your current job to work for a company that you believe to be more socially responsible?
60.3% – very likely
29.5% – somewhat likely

Some other key points from the report:

“Companies . . . have increasingly begun to understand that responsible and sustainable practices enable companies to effectively manage risks and create new business opportunities.”

"Industry research has reinforced the business case for CR, particularly the role it plays in sharing corporate reputation. A company’s social and environmental impacts, as well as its treatment of employees across the supply chain, feed directly into stakeholder perceptions. It’s a matter of trust. And over the past few years, it’s become increasingly clear that trust is critical to market performance and shareholder value.”

“Stakeholders expect companies to lead – not just manage risk – on key issues . . . With considerable media coverage of environmental and social issues, companies have an opportunity to align their brands with positive value and earn credit for their improved records . . . Stakeholders expect companies to take the initiative on . . . issues even if they do not relate directly to a company’s core business.”

“Business leaders are recognizing the valuable relationship between employees and CR performance.”

“Companies . . . do not consistently integrate CR messaging in their recruiting because they underestimate the importance a prospective employee places on a company’s CR programs. . . . today’s job seekers tend to research a company’s CR performance . . . over the past decade, there has been a surge in talented candidates actively seeking careers with socially responsible and progressive companies.”

Finally, if you want to know the many reasons individuals and businesses choose to save energy and/or generate their own, see “Why Solar?” on this website.

* Written by Edelman (the world’s largest independent public relations firm), the Boston College Center for Corporate Cititzenship, Net Impact, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.