Emerging from the Economic Crisis, Using Sustainability to Transform your Organization

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) November 2, 2009 - New research points to a new business imperative to begin to implement Sustainability into everyday business strategy. The "new normal" is forcing entrepreneurs to rethink — and in some cases completely reinvent — their businesses, moving from a reactive stance into a more strategic, proactive one.  

Specializing in sustainable development solutions for corporations, the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) is hosting its North American Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certification workshop on February 9 – 10, 2010. This unique two-day intensive program supports Executives and Sustainability professionals acquire the skills and competencies required to grow and to become qualified CSR practitioners. Sustainability can increase efficiency and be cost-effective in a growing, developing, and highly competitive industry that is dramatically shifting standards and priorities in strategic development.

"Our workshop in North America represents the culmination of years of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability experience of CSE in the European and International markets,” says CSE President Nikos Avlonas, having worked with more than 4,000 professionals in 12 countries. Mr. Avlonas is one of the workshop trainers with extensive international experience in Strategic Sustainable Development Advisory Services .The February workshop will provide opportunities for companies to build authenticity into their CSR programs and have CSR practitioners certified by CSE and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the well known international institute for environmental training. 

According to a recent study by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), almost 90 percent of the U.S. population believes it is important for companies to not just be profitable, but to be mindful of their impact on the environment and society. Just over 70 percent of consumers state that knowing a company is mindful of their impact on the environment and society makes them more likely to buy their products or services, and almost 50 percent indicates it makes them more likely to buy their stock.[1] 

The CSR Practitioner’s workshop is certified by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), and is designed for all professionals responsible for the management of CSR, Marketing, and Public Relation activities. General Managers, Public Relations Managers and Sustainability and Environmental Professionals will advance their CSR understanding, acquire the skill and knowledge that will bring added value and authenticity to their company, and also earn an official business qualification.

The ultimate goal of the CSE workshop in North America is to provide the tools and training that will instill the growing importance of corporate social responsibility into company strategy and also help them demonstrate ethical business practices. This will in turn build corporate and community recognition in sustainable business through the examination of current best practices. With specialized, detailed and highly focused training, the CSE workshop will cover: 

·      CSR & Sustainable Development Concepts

·      Global Warming & Climate Change Issues

·      Future trends & legislation in the U.S. & Worldwide on Corporate Responsibility

·      The Stakeholder Approach & CSR

·      CSR Communication & Reporting

·      Global Standards/Models/Guidelines & Tools for practical CSR integration (GRI, UN Global Compact, EFQM)

·      A CSR Action Plan for your organization (prerequisite for CSR practitioner Qualification)

CSE will be hosting a Sustainability Roundtable Discussion on February 9^th at 5:30 p.m. at the Hotel Monaco. The event titled, “Emerging from the Economic Crisis, using Sustainability to Transform your Organization”, will help participants think about how Sustainability applies to their current business models, and discuss with other like-minded individuals the business barriers to adopting Sustainability. 

To improve your organizations’ and/or institutions’ Sustainability and bring positive impact and added value for all stakeholders, enroll in CSE’s North American Workshop at www.cse-northamerica.org, contact Nick Andrews at 773-714-5065 or via e-mail at nick@cse-northamerica.org.

About Centre of Sustainability and Excellence

CSE is a leading advising organization & Think Tank with offices in Chicago, Athens, Brussels and Cyprus specialized in providing sustainable development solutions to various corporations and institutions. It represents the outcome of the cooperation between experts and scientists, who deal with, apply and provide support in the most advanced practical methodologies towards sustainability, while adhering to social and environmental criteria. Through its network of international partners, CSE offers coaching in a vast array of advising services promoting Sustainability & Excellence to Organizations, Society and Governments. CSE is operating in more than 10 countries.  For more information please visit www.cse-northamerica.org.

[1] http://www.nmisolutions.com/press080205.html