2011 Business Planning - Building a Safe Harbor

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Nov 18, 2010 1:15 PM ET

Taiga Company Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

“Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” -- Seneca 

The 2011 business planning cycle is currently underway.  As a business sustainability consultant, I can't help but ask, "What harbor is your business setting sail towards in 2011?"  According to Ernst & Young’s 2010 Business Risk Report, corporate social responsibility and the need for social acceptance both appeared on the top ten risks facing businesses.  "Regarding corporate social responsibility or "radical greening", the report finds that in order to maintain the corporate image and reduce environmental impact, companies must take proactive measures, including more complex decisions regarding capital spending, production procedures, and installed technologies." ~ Environmental Leader   While many smaller organizations falsely subscribe to the belief that business sustainability is only for larger organizations, there is the recognition of the ‘softer’ value of sustainability.  However, noted in our sustainability consulting, risk doesn't discriminate.  How is your organization accounting for the following potential risks in 2011?     •    Increase cost from uncontrolled emissions. •    Increase cost from measure waste streams. •    Increase cost from rising energy and uncontrolled consumption.  •    Increased cost in supply and distribution. •    Increased cost in from the use of unsustainable materials. •    Increase cost from tax or regulatory changes. •    Increase in cost from reactive design, engineering and manufacturing changes. •    Increased cost from obsolete supply or product.   Why not capitalize on the competitive advantage now and jump start your 2011 planning with   sustainable business strategiesClick here to continue reading.  

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".

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