Creating the Green Planning Team

A comprehensive green plan is not limited to internal processes; it also includes suppliers, customers, and company culture. It is therefore important that the Green Planning Team include knowledgeable representatives from a variety of functional areas within the company. Functional areas that might be represented on the Green Planning Team include:

- Green/Sustainability (Company Sustainability Leader)
- Manufacturing (Operations)
- Customers (Marketing)
- Suppliers (Purchasing)
- People (Human Resources)
- Assessing Return on Investment (Finance)
- Company Plans (Strategic Planning)
- Company Vision (CEO)

Depending on the size of company, the team member may or may not be in charge of their functional area. The team member should preferably be the individual who will spearhead and coordinate sustainability efforts within their functional area. They should have a strong understanding of how the company functions, an ability to manage sustainability initiatives within their functional area, and an open mind. They do NOT need to have any expertise in green/sustainability, nor do they initially need to have a strong personal commitment to green.

Individuals may not participate in all meetings – only on an as needed basis. For example, the CEO may be present at the kick off meeting and during the review of the final plan. The Director of Strategic Planning may participate in the meeting which aligns the Green Plan with the Company Plan.

Due to the wide range of functional areas represented on the team, it is likely that many team members have not previously worked together. To work effectively as a team, individuals on the Green Planning Team must be able to communicate openly and productively. Team building exercise(s) may be necessary either up front or as the planning and implementation process evolves.

In the next blog, we will discuss how to perform a high level assessment of the company’s environmental and social impacts, both within the company as well as at suppliers and customers.