Approach
How We Work >>
SYSTEMIC, INTEGRATED & COLLABORATIVEProblem-solving and innovating for sustainability requires a ‘whole-systems’ paradigm. We begin with the premise that everything is connected — that sustainability is intrinsically multifaceted — requiring a diverse collection of knowledge and a process of continuous learning. That’s why we’ve assembled a multi-disciplinary team that represents a broad cross-sector collection of expertise. It’s also the reason we rely on a vast network of experts, NGOs, business-leaders, scientists and research institutions to enhance our evaluative and creative capacities. We recognize that many minds are needed in the effective analysis, formation, and implementation of sustainable solutions.
This ‘whole systems’ approach extends to our organizational structure. Engaging a collaborative work style, our business divisions operate in an organic, cross-pollinating relationship — sharing resources, human capital, and knowledge-bases — and sometimes joining forces for specific projects. This robust ecosystem approach results in deeply-informed, systemic and innovative solutions that deliver measurable and transformative results.
ENTREPRENEURIAL & ACTION-ORIENTEDWe foster a pioneering spirit and a can-do attitude that sets us apart. As practitioners, we focus on the ‘how’ of sustainability. This requires looking at existing and seemingly intractable problems in new ways. It also requires action: actively building new companies; investing in the development of new technologies; working-side-by-side with the world’s largest enterprises to drive waste out of their operations. At all levels, we work creatively to transcend obstacles and drive change. We aim to be thoughtful and rigorous in our planning and research, but recognize that no degree of planning or preparation can substitute for effective execution. With speed and imagination, we rise to meet the most complex challenges.
BOLD LEADERSHIPOur approach is fundamentally bold. We are not timid about our aspirations for creating large-scale transformative business value through the proliferation of sustainable business practices and clean technologies. We work with leaders and companies who share this vision. And we derive tremendous fulfillment from empowering high-capacity individuals and businesses to reach their full potential for positive impact. This conviction is accompanied by an intense commitment to the success of the ventures, projects and individuals with which we engage, along with an expectation of excellence and integrity from our team-members, partners and affiliates.
RIGOUROUS & COMPREHENSIVEOur work combines bold thinking with rigorous research and quantitative analysis. Sustainability is an elaborate journey, where proper measurement and metrics play a critical role in keeping performance on track. Across each business division, we acknowledge that the dimensions of success are varied. Our bottom line is tracked across financial, environmental and social dimensions through systems that enable us to understand the impacts of our efforts. By doing so, we ensure a rigorous and comprehensive approach in our internal business-decision making, in our technology development and investment decisions, and in our advisory projects.
A FOCUS ON PEOPLEWe put people at the center of everything we do. Every transaction—whether a complex negotiation, or a purchase at the corner drug store—takes place at the human level. Understanding that people are at the core of every transaction, we place a very strong and deliberate focus on our people and our relationships. It is people, united by a common mission and passion, who drive change to unlimited potential. Together, our team-members, partners and affiliates, work towards our common goal of becoming a catalyst for business transformation toward sustainability. To go far, we must all travel together.
ETHICS DRIVENOur values are the foundation of our company. Respect, commitment, integrity, dependability, servant leadership, and responsible corporate citizenship — these are the values that define who we are and how we work. Our decisions are grounded in them, and they guide our relationships with our partners, clients, the community, our environment and each other. We recognize that our actions have broad impact and that we can be a powerful force for good. For this reason, our view of responsible citizenship extends to corporate engagement on a variety of local, national and global sustainability issues where our expertise and resources may be helpful in facilitating progress.
SHARED SUCCESSWe believe in the power of incentives and their capacity to motivate great teams. The success of companies and partnerships that employ benchmarks and incentives has been demonstrated over and over again. Properly designed incentives inspire personal excellence, pride in ownership, loyalty and long-term commitment—catapulting teams and companies to their full potential. Shared success is our pledge.