Obviously, many Advanced Manufacturing & Energy companies have distinct sustainability efforts, and some directly offer renewable products or services.  However, with a little searching, communicators will likely find there is even more to their company’s sustainability story. Why? Because as green tech becomes mainstream facility managers are finding ways to reduce operation costs that also happen to reduce a company’s environmental footprint. Yet, they fail to alert communications because they see their decisions simply through a cost-saving rather than a communications prism. Likewise, R&D and marketing may make product changes to reduce shipping costs or lower the customer’s cost of ownership, but don’t communicate the potential broader conservation story that may align with their company’s sustainability platform.

That means communicators need to do a little sleuthing about changes occurring within their company. Are LED lights being used or is Energy Star equipment being purchased and lights being turned off? Are products being made smaller or lighter, thus reducing energy needed for shipping? Has building maintenance switched to green chemicals for cleaning? Sure, some organizations are doing a good job of having their sustainability goals guide these types of decisions, but for others these decisions are happening because they simply make economic sense.

So, why not do some digging around? You may just find a green shoot that helps strengthen your company’s reputation and communicates its prospects for future growth.