Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/668965
2 0 1 6 V 1 | BULLDOG | 9 How your level of environmental stewardship affects your company and profits By Denise Rondini N o matter what you call it, a growing number of fleet owners are concerned about their operations' effects on the environment — and how their customers perceive those impacts. While you may already spec for fuel economy, train driv- ers for fuel efficiency and have an overall appreciation for sustain- ability, it's possible to take your environmental stewardship to the next level. Every aspect of your operation, from company manage- ment and employee engagement to facilities and equipment, can be evaluated and improved. The benefits of these efforts include lower business costs, better employee recruitment and the ability to create an eco-friendly image of your fleet. Why be green? While the altruistic aspect of sustainability is important, customers may favor fleets with committed sustainability goals and may even award bids based on fleets' green reputation. John Jennings, CEO of Waste Pro USA, Longwood, Florida, which offers an array of waste-removal services, says the company sets itself apart through a commitment to the environment and investment in sus- tainability practices that impact communities. "We absolutely feel that we win waste-removal bids because of our known commit- ment to the environment, even when we are not the lowest bid," Jennings says. Keith Severson, marketing services manager and director of community relations for construction-materials provider Graniterock Corporation, Watsonville, California, seconds that claim. "Reducing the carbon footprint is financially advantageous," he says. "You'll win more projects if you have good green thinking." In addition to fostering positive community relations, eco- friendly policies can strengthen a company's internal relationships, improve employee attitudes and can help with recruitment. Jennings, who often works alongside employees to clean up a nearby river in Florida, describes a culture of sustainability that runs the gamut from the physical operation to enthusiastic employee buy-in. Severson, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional, says Graniterock and its employ- ees pride themselves on adopting the basic tenets of green think- ing: reduce, recycle and reuse. "A focus on these principles results in a company of good corporate citizens and good stewards of the planet's resources," he says. "We use locally sourced construction materials, recycle when possible and look for ways to reduce waste." Making sustainability a core value gives a company an advan- tage in attracting younger workers, says Thomas Rowland, partner in Partners By Design, a corporate architecture firm. "Millennials look at the ethos of companies when deciding where they want to work," he says of this highly recruited demographic. Sustainability. Energy efficiency. Environmental impact.