Business Sustainability Committee

Meets evry 4 to 6 weeks
Maureen Aylyard, Chair
Staff Liaison, Colleen Murdock, Director of Community Relations
Mission: The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Business Sustainability Committee explores and promotes ways in which its members and the wider business community can become more sustainable through taking actions to reduce energy, water, and waste. These efforts will drive cost savings while realizing environmental benefits for our region. By aligning core business operations with a sustainability focus, businesses and organizations can create shared value with stakeholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. Committee members consider sustainability through the lens of risk mitigation, cost savings, increased resilience, and workforce and customer needs.
The Business Sustainability Committee brings together representatives from the business community, nonprofit organizations, municipal leaders, academic institutions, and state leaders to address the growing need to reduce carbon emissions, waste, pollution, and energy consumption. We are dedicated to exploring innovative ideas and creating programming that assist businesses in this process through education and interactive events.
What is Organizational Sustainability?
Organizational sustainability is the practice of managing company or nonprofit operations in a way that is environmentally, socially, and economically responsible over the long term.
There are several benefits associated with adopting sustainable business practices:
- Cost Savings: Reduced resource consumption and waste production can lower operational costs over time. For example, energy-efficient technologies can reduce electricity bills, and waste reduction initiatives can cut disposal costs.
- Enhanced Reputation: Companies/nonprofits that prioritize sustainability are viewed more positively by customers, investors, and the public, enhancing brand reputation and trust.
- Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Sustainability drives innovation as businesses/nonprofits seek more efficient and eco-friendly ways to operate and can lead to new products, services, and processes.
- Access to New Markets: Consumers and donors are more environmentally and socially conscious and there is a growing demand for sustainable products and services.
- Employee Engagement and Talent Attraction: Younger generations are increasingly interested in working for companies and nonprofits that align with their values, including sustainability.
- Resilience to Shocks: Sustainable practices can make an organization more resilient to supply chain disruptions.
- Positive Impact: Sustainable businesses and nonprofits contribute to a better world by reducing their negative impact on the environment and society while promoting responsible and ethical behavior.