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Embedding Sustainability in Organizational Culture - Network for ...

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PROCESSES<br />

Processes are the horizontal and vertical flow of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation across<br />

the organization’s structure. Processes def<strong>in</strong>e how th<strong>in</strong>gs function <strong>in</strong><br />

the context of a particular structure.<br />

BEST PRACTICES<br />

• Ask yourself big – and tough – questions<br />

now. Start talk<strong>in</strong>g about what you want your<br />

organization to be <strong>in</strong> 10-20 years, and what role<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>ability plays. Th<strong>in</strong>k beyond your product<br />

to what value you’re provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> customers. Do<br />

it today - nobody gets to be a leader by wait<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

and you can always adjust.<br />

• Publish targets to the outside world.<br />

Committ<strong>in</strong>g publicly is a powerful motivator.<br />

• Communicate authentically to all parties.<br />

Internally communicate the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs to<br />

employees; external communications with<br />

stakeholders (suppliers, customers, etc.). Also<br />

understand how susta<strong>in</strong>ability speaks to the heart<br />

as well as the m<strong>in</strong>d.<br />

EXAMPLES<br />

• Tell them you’ll do it. Canada Post publicly committed<br />

to reduce its carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>t by 20% by 2020.<br />

• Open the l<strong>in</strong>es of communication. Farm Credit Canada<br />

established an onl<strong>in</strong>e Vision Panel which allowed customers<br />

and non-customers to comment on what they do/do not<br />

like about the organization’s ef<strong>for</strong>ts.<br />

• Br<strong>in</strong>g all parties together. As part of InterfaceFLOR Canada’s<br />

strategy, they convene <strong>in</strong>terdiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary and cross functional<br />

teams to collaborate and communicate on susta<strong>in</strong>ability.<br />

<strong>Embedd<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>Susta<strong>in</strong>ability</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Organizational</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> 11

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