Major Companies Form Sustainability Council

Ten of the United States’ largest corporations have formed an organization focusing on innovation as a means to improve sustainability.

Led by the Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM and the World Environment Center (WEC), the companies formed the Innovations in Environmental Sustainability Council. The organization will explore how innovation in business process and technology can provide solutions to sustainability challenges involving materials, energy, water, infrastructure and logistics. 

Other members of the council are Boeing, CH2M Hill, Coca-Cola Co., Dow Chemical Co., F. Hoffmann-La Roche A.G., General Motors Corp., Johnson & Johnson and the Walt Disney Co. The Washington-based WEC is a non-profit organization that aims to advance sustainable development through business practices.

The companies will be able to use what they learn from this collaboration within their own organizations, IBM said in a news release. The council will hold its first meeting Feb. 7-8 in Orlando, Fla. 

"The establishment of the Innovations for Environmental Sustainability Council represents another significant commitment by IBM and other sustainability leaders from the private sector to integrate their innovation and market leadership capabilities with the need to provide solutions to a growing number of challenges facing modern society," stated Dr. Terry F. Yosie, WEC president and CEO.