IBM's Approach To Sustainability Provides A Model For Long-Lasting Competitive Edge

Over the past 20 years, IBM has demonstrated the relationship between economic performance and environmental/sustainability leadership — both internally within its business operations and externally through its products and services. The company has embedded sustainability concepts in its value-creation processes for customers and in its internal continuous improvement processes. IBM's example provides a good model for how large global companies can and should integrate sustainability initiatives with business process improvement. Specifically, IBM applies four must-have practices when optimizing processes: 1) devise and maintain an integrated business and sustainability strategy; 2) maintain seamless execution on combined operations and sustainability initiatives; 3) develop and maintain a culture of sustainability performance; and 4) build an organization and management system to drive and execute integrated operational and sustainability goals.