Tackling the Green Giant

by Kiska Workman, Vollmer Public Relations

We’re not talking about the jolly guy in the green leotard selling peas, but about corporate America’s desire to be environmentally friendly. Clients of all shapes, sizes and industries come to Vollmer so we can help them communicate and integrate their various green initiatives, which is how we have come to be ranked as one of the nation’s largest environmental public relations firms.

So, what does it mean to be green?

We’ve heard it over and over again, but the fact of the matter is that going green means something different to everyone. It can mean a complete carbon footprint overhaul, to something more subdued, like replacing water bottles in the office or offering incentives to employees electing alternative forms of transportation to work.

Here are just a few ways our clients are going green and helping others do the same.

• Houston - Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) – with programs like Advancing the Choice and Commute Solutions, H-GAC is raising awareness about how to reduce pollution and emissions related to transportation. We work to support programs that promote alternative fuels for fleets and campaigns targeted to commuters about alternatives such as car pooling or telework.
  
  
• Air Liquide America – one of the first global companies to practice sustainability manufactures industrial gases that help its customers reduce emissions. Additionally, Air Liquide is involved in hydrogen fuel cell development, carbon capture and sequestration technology and utilizes a highly sophisticated logistics system modeled after ants, that eliminates waste and streamlines efficiencies.
  
  
• Greenstar North America – single stream recycling technology has increased the ability for America to recycle more and put less in our dwindling landfills. In cities like Pittsburgh, PA; Paterson, NJ, Dallas and San Antonio, Greenstar is working to help significantly reduce what goes into the trash vs. the recycling container by making it more convenient and easy for people to recycle.
  
  
• Skanska Building, USA – not only is Skanska, a global commercial construction management company, involved in green building on a global scale, but it also practices recycling on the job site and at the office. From recycling concrete and other materials to recycling paper, Skanska is working to pull green initiatives all the way through its supply chain.
  
  
• Travelocity – traveling isn’t considered green, unless you can Travel for Good™. This Travelocity program was one of first to offer carbon offsetting for air travel and to work with Nature Conservancy in tree plantings.
  
  
• Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America (MCFA) – practices zero waste manufacturing to reduce noise, conserve energy and eliminate waste that would otherwise go into the landfill. Additionally, MCFA is working with fuel cell technology and manufacturing forklifts that help its clients increase efficiency.

What’s your green story?

Whether you are ready to tackle the green giant in its entirety, or bit by bit, it is important to recognize that there are major advantages to taking any step in the right direction. It is the way of the future and influences everything from potential recruits and existing employees to investor relations, marketing and public relations efforts.

So, how can we help tell your green story?