Top Ten Things You Would Have Learned at University of Vermont's Sustainable Business Program

By Cynthia Belliveau, M.P.A., Ed.D., Dean of University of Vermont Continuing Education

This summer, professionals from as far away as the Sudan and from companies as varied as Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Dupont and Domtar, came together at the University of Vermont in Burlington to talk about one of today's most pressing topics - sustainable business.

Together, they learned, networked and discovered the inner workings of leading sustainable businesses that continue to innovate in this space, such as Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry's and All Earth Renewables. In the process, they found that sustainability is not the province of one industry, or set of professionals - it is an all-encompassing idea that must filter into all niches of the business world. The challenge is to figure out how. Attendees walked away with a toolkit to bring to their own business environments.

Here's what you would have learned had you been there, too.

1. "Profit is NOT a dirty word" - Sustainability and profit are not necessarily at odds with one another. Businesses that create and add value with full recognition of externalities can be profitable as long as they meet a need. Rocki-Lee DeWitt, Professor of Management in the School of Business at the University of Vermont.
2. The psychology of sustainability - Before shouting about the benefits of sustainable decision-making, it's important to ask oneself the tough questions like "do human beings truly care about the future?" Jon Erickson, Professor of Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont.
3. Even famously responsible companies face major challenges - Sustainability is a constant and ever-evolving goal - and we can always reach new heights. Green Mountain Coffee Roaster's transparent effort to make Keurig technology more sustainable is the perfect example of how their commitment to corporate social responsibility is driving innovation. Michael Dupee, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
4. Going sustainable can be cheaper than "business as usual" - The indirect costs of using toxic chemicals, for example, are often not measured explicitly by companies when purchasing decisions are made. This is an oversight because the cumulative costs associated with safe transportation of these chemicals, their disposal, and the resulting employee health problems may be higher than if a more environmentally friendly material is used. Martha Woodman, faculty, accounting, School of Business at the University of Vermont.
5. Triple Bottom Line accounting is a conundrum - Economic performance is measurable, but environmental and social impacts are more difficult to quantify. This does not, however, stop companies like Ben & Jerry's from trying. Read their Social and Environmental Assessment Report here: http://www.benjerry.com/company/sear. Andrea Asch, Manager of Natural Resources, Ben & Jerry's.
6. Open book accounting - A commitment to transparency can improve business and teach employees to think like owners. Justin Worthley, General Manager, Rhino Foods, a food company based in Burlington, VT.
7. "Think global, act local" is NOT enough - Purchasing decisions are rarely black and white. Consumers have the power to influence global development, and to be truly planetary citizens we need to also fight global poverty through purchase decisions. An item's carbon footprint should not deter a customer if such trade truly supports development in distant lands that desperately needs income and has fewer alternatives than a local producer. Saleem Ali, Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont.
8. Give green credit wherever greed credit is due - While smaller sustainable brands often pave the way and show industries how to turn a profit while being responsible, behemoths like Wal-Mart have the power to change the world due to their size and breadth. Karen Fleming, Associate Professor of Business at Green Mountain College.
9. Vermont is a state where innovation in sustainability is soaring, but it's not alone - Pockets exist throughout the nation where dedicated people have started making a difference. With true commitment, "business as usual" will soon contain a new set of priorities in all fifty states. Matt Sayre, Program Developer at the University of Vermont.
10. Collaboration fosters change - Program attendees came from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Vault.com, Dupont, Goodrich, Domtar, QVC, the U.S. General Service Administration, Scotts Miracle-Gro, the Association of Vermont Recyclers, Green Mountain Electric Supply and the dairy farming, higher education, legal, real estate, accounting, marketing and financial sectors. Attendees shared their wisdom with each other and helped each other brainstorm ways to make their own businesses more sustainable.

To learn more about the University of Vermont's Sustainable Business Program and other sustainability programming, please visit http://learn.uvm.edu/sustainability/the-institute-for-global-sustainability/leadership-programs/sustainable-business-management-entrepreneurship/schedule/.

I invite you to join us at UVM for future sustainability programming and become part of a passionate community of professionals.

The University of Vermont also hosts a new LinkedIn Group for professional in sustainable business here.

About Cynthia Belliveau

Cynthia Belliveau, M.P.A., Ed.D. Dr. Belliveau is Dean of University of Vermont Continuing Education and teaches in UVM's Department of Nutrition and Food Science. In 2005, Dr. Belliveau founded the "Sustainable Business: Practices in Support of People, Profit and Principles" program, designed to integrate the work of business and environmental faculty at the University. She currently serves on the Governor's Agricultural Development Board and has held board/committee positions for the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, the Lake Champlain Workforce Development Investment Board and the Intervale Strategic Planning Committee.

This commentary is written by a valued member of the CSRwire contributing writers' community and expresses this author's views alone.