- link Copy Url
- [  Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How Business Can Lead Sustainable Growth https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/80901?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter")
- [  Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/80901?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin")
- [  Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/80901?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook")
- [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=How Business Can Lead Sustainable Growth&body=ESG News from UPS https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/80901?absolute=1 "Share via email")
 
 

 [Innovation & Technology](/CSR-News/innovation-technology-0)

 # How Business Can Lead Sustainable Growth

 

##### Now is the time for companies to set the tone on sustainability leadership.

 

 

 Apr 20, 2017 1:00 PM ET

  Campaign:  [Thought Leadership](/news/campaign/thought-leadership-0)  ![](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/images/closedloopsidebar.jpg "http://www.closedlooporganics.com/") http://www.closedlooporganics.com/ 

 

**[Tamara Barker](https://longitudes.ups.com/author/tamara-barker/) | UPS**

Today the private sector is uniquely positioned to step forward and assume a higher level of sustainability leadership. The changing policy landscape around the world presents an opportunity for companies to create a consumer-driven marketplace that is better for the environment and better for business.

Companies and brands that have engaged consumers with innovative sustainability initiatives – from P&G shampoo bottles made from recycled plastic to the green bonds issued by Starbucks – have built goodwill and improved their bottom line.

We have seen first-hand at UPS how sustainability investments grow our business. UPS has more than 8,100 alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles, which reduce our environmental footprint and allow us to explore promising new energy sources.

Through our proprietary ORION navigation system, we’re able to find the most efficient routes for our deliveries, reducing fuel use and emissions.

Such investments happen only with support from a company’s senior leaders, and we are proud to be among those working for a more sustainable future. Gaining that support in your own company and building the right business case for sustainability takes time. Here are four proven examples that can lead to better results:

**1. Explore Alternative Fuel and Energy**

Prices have dropped on many alternative energy sources, including solar and electric. Size and scale for any large operation remain a challenge – alternative fuels in heavy-duty vehicles is a prime example. But when making sustainable change, energy is a good place to start.

**2. Optimize Supply Chains**

The most sustainable mile is the one you or your goods never travel. A thorough examination and optimization of supply chains can lead to efficiencies, both for the environment and your profit margin.

**3. Embrace Technology**

Technology and big data allow companies to scrutinize, analyze and optimize every inch of their operation. With more insight on daily activities, you can make smarter decisions about fuel and energy usage.

**4. Get Employees Involved**

Your people are often the first to uncover innovative practices. If you give employees new opportunities, it leads to better decisions and a more sustainable workplace. Celebrate and reward creative thinking, and you may find that your most sustainable assets are the ones you had all along.

These are just some of the ways we can chart a new course for our businesses. With Earth Day around the corner, there’s no better time than now to begin striving for a more sustainable future.

*[Tamara Barker](https://longitudes.ups.com/author/tamara-barker/) is UPS Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Environmental Affairs.*



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [![](/sites/default/files/Clients/ups.png)](/profiles/ups)

 



 

### More from UPS

###### [UPS Longitudes | Why Businesses Need an Innovation Operating System](/news/ups-longitudes-why-businesses-need-innovation-operating-system)

 Dec 30, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | Growing Support for Resilient Response](/news/ups-longitudes-growing-support-resilient-response)

 Dec 29, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | Pursuing a More Equitable World](/news/ups-longitudes-pursuing-more-equitable-world)

 Dec 24, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | Sustainable Development in a Post-COVID World](/news/ups-longitudes-sustainable-development-post-covid-world)

 Dec 23, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | As UPSFF Women Blaze Trails in Aviation, Everyone Benefits](/news/ups-longitudes-upsff-women-blaze-trails-aviation-everyone-benefits)

 Dec 17, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | Flying to New Heights](/news/ups-longitudes-flying-new-heights)

 Dec 16, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [All Hands on Deck for Expo 2020 Dubai ](/news/all-hands-deck-expo-2020-dubai)

 Dec 15, 2020 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [UPS Longitudes | Women Small Business Owners Look Beyond the Pandemic](/news/ups-longitudes-women-small-business-owners-look-beyond-pandemic)

 Dec 10, 2020 11:00 AM ET