The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) kicked off the educational programming for its third annual Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference (ESCC) with a keynote address from Casey Sheahan, CEO of Patagonia.
Sheahan described the company's founding by climber and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard, and its subsequent growth, the result of a dedicated focus on its mission: Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Widely known for its quality outdoors products, its excellent work environment and generous benefits, and its dedication to environmental stewardship, the company has a loyal and expanding customer base and growing sales.
“Being green and socially responsible are essential, but it will become equally important to lead with mindfulness, compassion, and soul. As Patagonia has become more conscious of the impact of its business practices, we have been rewarded with increasing prosperity. There is no business to be done on a dead planet,” said Sheahan.
“Casey's story of Patagonia provided a poignant message about how strong sustainability leadership has built an ultra-loyal customer community and attracted a passionate and devoted employee base – both of which contribute significantly to any retailer's bottom line,” said Adam Siegel, vice president of sustainability and retail operations.
Also speaking at the conference was Linda Povey, vice president of strategic consulting for the Natural Marketing Institute; Mary Capozzi, senior director of corporate responsibility for Best Buy; Fred Bedore, senior director of sustainability for Walmart and Jonathan L. Johnson, professor of sustainability at the University of Arkansas.
Launched in 2009, the Sustainability Consortium is an independent organization of diverse global participants who work collaboratively to build a scientific, life-cycle based foundation to drive consumer product innovation.
