What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is meeting global needs for products and services by taking action on opportunities for resiliency and growth within the Earth's closed system.

What is Sustainable Value?
Sustainable value is the measurable benefit to business owners and stakeholders resulting from implementing practices that align with sustainability principles.

Why Do We Call the Earth a Closed System?
The Earth's system is closed because we have a fixed amount of natural resources. Resource depletion, pollution, climate change and pollution growth are accelerating. We know resources are limited; we also know human ingenuity and spirit are not.

What Are the Benefits of Implementing Sustainable Business Practices?

• Lowered costs and improved profitability, now and in the future
• Enhanced reputation and market presence/differentiaion for competitive advantage
• Improved resilience in the face of diminishing resources and rapidly changing condition
• Improved supply chain management
• Accelerated learning and cultural enthusiasm to continue the journey of improvement
• Improved product or process design or materials substitution
• Improved responsiveness to changes in customer or industry competitive trends
• Greater ability to respond favorably to customer and community concern about environmental and social impacts as well as to government mandates
• Increased economic opportunities for revenue streams and job growth from new alliances