Thanks to Julie Urlaub of Taiga Company for helping explain the emerging buzz words sustainability and green.

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Two emerging buzz words have accompanied growing eco awareness in our society:  Sustainability and Green.  Do they mean the same thing and why are they the new buzz words?

As explained in our business sustainability consulting, sustainability is a macro concept that applies more broadly to entire systems and infrastructures. The term can be somewhat elusive, but can be characterized as it spans a multitude of topics.  It is often helpful to start the conversation about sustainability with a common language.   Regarding business sustainability, The Natural Step framework offers a common language for discussion.  However, addressing green living, sometimes discussing sustainability concepts that are most familiar are a quick easy way to begin the conversation.   Sustainability concepts, in the form of strategies, tools, ideas and models, are tangible mechanisms used to achieve sustainability for both businesses and individuals.

Green, on the other hand, is a micro concept.   We deal with green in our everyday lives with things like clothing, food, transportation, and a long list of "how to go green today" suggestions. Green is a pretty easy concept to understand in part because it’s relative and tangible.   It is measured on a scale from dirty to clean or eco friendly vs. traditional product.   Also, tangible eco actions are oftentimes associated with being green, as in recycling.

So where is the buzz coming from?  Why all the talk about green and sustainability?  From a business perspective, these forces are shaping current and future business landscapes.   Interpreted as either risk or opportunity, they are emerging as a result of several factors, including:

• Global policy and local legislation defining required corporate action.
• Consumer preferences for responsible corporate action and alternative products.
• Market pressures to make alternative options competitive.
• Increased business competition seeking to capitalize on emerging markets.
• Corporate giants leading the way with policies and guidelines for supply chains. 

There is no doubt that the landscape of business is changing, and the business sustainability pressures of the past are being replaced with the sustainability/ green buzz of today.