WSI’s commitment to corporate sustainability is nothing new. Operating under the ethical principles of honesty, reliability, compassion, fairness, and stewardship, the 3PL company has participated in several green initiatives in warehouse and transportation practices nationwide. So, when approached by Covestro about a global sustainability program last summer, WSI gladly joined the effort.
Founded in 2011, Together for Sustainability (TfS) is a global program to assess, audit, and improve sustainability practices in the supply chain industry. TfS assessments and audits are conducted based on a pre-defined set of criteria and shared across its 30 member chemical companies. These assessments streamline chemical companies’ processes to analyze their sustainability efforts and increase visibility for supply chain partners with exemplary practices.
According to a 1987 report from the World Council on Economic Development, corporate sustainability means “balancing environmental stewardship, social well-being, and economic prosperity while driving toward a goal of long-term success for the health of the company and its stakeholders. A sustainable corporation is transparent in its management of these responsibilities and is held accountable to its stakeholders for its results.”
Today, almost half of all companies surveyed by the UN Global Compact include the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their core business plans. Major firms continue to make pledges to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprints. This year alone, Shell and Apple both announced tying executive compensation to environmental and sustainability goals. Microsoft also recently took significant action and pledged to become a carbon-negative company within ten years. Forbes Magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies contains a showcase of companies from a wide variety of industries across the world. Though it is worth noticing that all 100 are publicly traded, and only two, Prologis Inc. (26) and Canadian National Railway Co (54) have significant activities in transportation, logistics, or supply chain as a part of their core business.
When interviewed about the company’s corporate sustainability initiatives, Director of Risk Management and Corporate and Regulatory Compliance, Don McNeff, expressed a great sense of responsibility. “WSI believes that its efforts – although only one company – contribute to the awareness and commitment of other, similar companies. The momentum of some industry members can change the industry, and that one industry can similarly affect others. We see ourselves both leading and participating in sustainability efforts, as a part of a much bigger and greater solution.”