Integrated process to Define, Evaluate and Achieve Sustainability
FAQs
- How does O’Brien & Gere define sustainability?
- Can O’Brien & Gere help us define sustainability for our organization?
- Do we really need to engage the company’s executive leadership team?
- How do we determine our KPIs and carbon footprint?
- How can O’Brien & Gere help?
- Can you help us finance sustainability projects?
- We have started calculating our carbon footprint and funded sustainability projects, do we need to switch our priorities and start with I-Define™?
• How does O’Brien & Gere define sustainability?
Sustainability is defined in numerous ways by various NGOs (non-government organizations). The World Commission on Environment & Development (“Brundtland Commission”) defines sustainability as Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
ISO 14000/14001 defines sustainability as actions of an organization to take responsibility for the impacts of its activities on society and the environment based on ethical behavior, compliance with law, and intergovernmental instruments and integrated into the ongoing activities of an organization. Other definitions include the concept of triple-bottom line that balances economic, social and environmental factors.
While these definitions are all useful, they are not necessarily relevant or connected to business practices or provide an organization with an integrated strategy for achieving sustainability.
O’Brien & Gere believes that sustainability is uniquely defined for each organization and includes the appropriate balance of environmental, social and economic factors to ensure the sustainability of the organization and its success in achieving its long-term strategic business objectives. Back to top
• Can O’Brien & Gere help us define sustainability for our organization?
Yes, to assist in the development and implementation of a sustainability program, O’Brien & Gere has developed a three-step process that we refer to as Sustainability IDEAS – Integrated process to Define, Evaluate and Achieve Sustainability.
The first step, which we refer to I-Define™ , is a facilitated planning process to establish a foundation of sustainability for your company. This process is an important yet often over-looked component of a successful implementation of sustainability.
The I-Define™ process involves connecting sustainability to your strategic plan by engaging your executive leadership team in defining and sharing their vision, principles and goals for sustainability. This process also includes the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track the performance of the organization in achieving its goals. And finally, I-Define™ includes creating the underlining strategy and organizational structure to implement a sustainability program throughout the organization – to ensure that the sustainability program itself is sustainable.
Typically, I-Define™ includes three sessions facilitated by O’Brien & Gere over a six-week period with selected members of the executive team and other key stakeholders. The end product is a sustainability plan that clearly communicates your sustainability message to your employees, customers, suppliers and other strategic stakeholders.
The strategies developed in I-Define™ are then communicated and implemented locally throughout the organization. A key outcome of this step is the creation of your sustainability team that represents key corporate functions and business units to guide implementation. Back to top
• Do we really need to engage the company’s executive leadership team?
For a sustainability program to be sustainable, the vision, principles and goals must be established at the top, and implemented locally. If there is no ownership at the top of the organization, then the program will fade. Typically, it is important to engage corporate engineering, HR, risk management, facility operations, distribution, and safety, among others.
By engaging and involving the executive team through the I-Define™ process, we have witnessed an enhanced passion and understanding by the CEO and other executives. This not only fosters a stronger communication and internal support, but there is also a stronger financial commitment and funding by the company for sustainability programs and projects, as the executive team is better able to assess and is more acutely aware of the economic benefits and returns. Back to top
• How do we determine our KPIs and carbon footprint?
The second step in our process is the I-Evaluate™. This step addresses the various complex issues related to establishing your carbon footprint and other KPIs, and the evaluation of these indicators with respect to establishing priorities to achieving your sustainability goals. The baseline calculations can consume critical resources if not managed properly. Difficult decisions need to be made to determine major contributors to the KPIs, boundary decisions, and NGO protocols to be followed, etc.
Another important component is the establishment of the organizational structure and management systems that not only identifies baseline conditions, but also to track your performance is terms of your KPIs.
Once the baseline is determined, O’Brien & Gere then works with your sustainability team to evaluate cost-effective opportunities to achieve your goals. Periodic updates on the progress of your sustainability program in achieving its goals are also key elements of this step.
Typically, KPIs are established for carbon footprint, energy and water infrastructure, packaging and solid waste, environmental performance and employee safety. Back to top
• How can O’Brien & Gere help?
The third step of Sustainability IDEAS™ is I-Achieve™. This step involves the implementation of sustainability projects related to energy and water infrastructure, packaging and solid waste, sustainable remediation, sustainable buildings (LEED), among others.
In this step, O’Brien & Gere works with your operations and engineering personnel to deliver sustainability projects from concept through commissioning. Flexible contracting strategies and partnering approaches afford you the opportunity to select from a full range of discrete or integrated services throughout the project lifecycle, including design, fabrication, system integration, construction, and operation & maintenance. Back to top
Our clients look to us for comprehensive energy and water strategies that seek and implement solutions to help our clients use less energy by improving their facility operations and source to point of water use, and then reclamation/reuse. The demonstration and adoption of alternative energy technologies is an important step to creating energy independence and to abate global climate change. Back to top
• What are examples of these technologies?
In the area of water recycling, O’Brien & Gere has a proprietary technology, called ARROW™, which is an advanced membrane-based process that represents the latest thinking in the field. Utilized for the recycling and recovery of wastewater, ARROW™ purifies water and wastewater using reverse osmosis membranes, ultimately reducing reject volume up to 100%. The benefits of utilizing ARROW™ include improved water quality, higher treatment efficiency, reduced disposal costs, and lower operating rates.
Other technologies include renewable fuels, air pollution control technologies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Our energy and water sustainability technologies are illustrated in our recent Energy and Water publications of our Portfolio magazine – www.obg.com/portfolio
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• Can you help us finance sustainability projects?
O’Brien & Gere has the ability to provide not only the design, construction, fabrication, and O&M services, but also project financing and ownership of industrial utility infrastructure facilities, such as water/wastewater treatment and energy facilities. We provide these services, along with project financing and ownership, through the establishment of our newly created Utility Services Group. Back to top
• We have started calculating our carbon footprint and funded sustainability projects, do we need to switch our priorities and start with I-Define™?
No, our three-step Sustainability IDEAS™ process can be conducted in parallel. Our clients have innovated and creative workforces and it is important to encourage and harness their ideas. By piloting various ideas and programs, it helps the corporation understand various issues related to their implementation throughout the organization. The resolution of these issues becomes the foundation for a corporate-wide plan. Back to top
Nevertheless, starting with a plan from the I-Define™ step provides the necessary guidance and framework for addressing many issues that arise during the subsequent steps, such as funding, required ROIs, boundary questions related to the development of KPIs and carbon footprint calculations, etc. Back to top
For more information on O'Brien & Gere's Sustainability Program:
- Sustainability IDEAS™
- Market Leaders
- Project Portfolio
- Benefits of IDEAS™
- Financing Sustainability Projects
- Frequently Asked Questions
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