BarkleyOKRP
BarkleyOKRP, a significant independent ad agency in the U.S., stands out for its sustainability efforts as a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to high social and environmental standards. Aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2025, the agency has already achieved a 91% waste diversion rate in 2024 through strategic recycling and donations. Partnering with local vendors, BarkleyOKRP recycled over 62,000 pounds of materials and donated 20,000 pounds of furniture, demonstrating their dedication to reducing environmental impact. The agency's waste reduction initiatives began with a comprehensive audit to establish a baseline, leading to a cultural shift in the office environment. Employees were gradually engaged through familiar practices like recycling, which later expanded to composting by reorganizing waste disposal systems and collaborating with local catering vendors to reduce waste.
BarkleyOKRP's success in sustainability is rooted in empowering passionate employees, known as B Keepers, who manage the B Corp assessment and facilitate cultural change across offices. By fostering partnerships with innovative local businesses, they have enhanced their waste management strategies. For example, the agency's collaboration with The Russell, a local restaurant, led to a swap program that minimizes catering waste without compromising the experience. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to uphold B Corporation standards, which hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact and encourage continued improvement. BarkleyOKRP's approach shows how certification, employee engagement, and strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change in sustainability practices.
Boulevard Brewing Co.
Boulevard Brewing’s commitment to sustainability, rooted in founder John McDonald’s values, emphasizes resourcefulness and respect for nature. This ethos is evident in their operational practices, like repurposing spent grains for animal feed and composting hops. Boulevard's on-site wastewater treatment plant reduces the city's cleanup burden, earning tax credits, while their zero-waste campus utilizes recycled materials. The company’s dedication extends to consumers, offering durable packaging from post-consumer waste and pioneering local recycling through Ripple Glass. This initiative successfully connects with manufacturers to repurpose glass, bolstering community recycling efforts.
In pursuit of efficiency and market share, Boulevard is shifting towards aluminum packaging, which offers advantages over glass, such as improved freshness and higher recycling rates. Despite initial resistance due to consumer perceptions, they adapted to market demands, allowing sales in venues prohibiting glass. Lessons from Boulevard highlight the impact of leadership on company culture, the importance of customer trust, community involvement through recycling initiatives, and strategic partnerships that enhance waste reduction and resource efficiency. This holistic approach positions Boulevard as a leader in sustainable brewing practices.
Henderson Engineers
Henderson Engineers is making strides in sustainable design by integrating a Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Disassembly (DfMAD) approach, particularly in HVAC systems. This proactive strategy emphasizes the reuse, repair, and recycling of products to reduce waste. In collaboration with U.S. Engineering, Henderson developed a modular 16x16-inch duct module, which saves 25% in costs and 30% in installation time. The modular design aligns with circular economy principles, offering economic benefits by creating a secondary marketplace for reused products. Despite challenges in shifting traditional engineering mindsets, engaging younger engineers and showcasing the tangible benefits of standardization are key to overcoming resistance and promoting sustainability in the industry.
The development of modular ductwork not only supports sustainability but also drives economic efficiency. Henderson's interest in optimizing ventilation systems for zero waste was matched by U.S. Engineering's desire to maximize their machine shop's output. By standardizing production, they allowed for automated manufacturing, reducing labor and material costs. This innovative approach has already been implemented in projects, demonstrating significant time and waste reduction, such as a major retailer's health clinic construction. While modular design remains an edge case, Turner and his team aim to increase adoption, emphasizing the potential for significant cost savings and faster project delivery. Turner advises industry leaders to engage clients in open discussions about the benefits of circular design, advocating for a shift from traditional practices to more sustainable and economically viable solutions.
Posty Cards
In 2007, Posty Cards, a custom greeting card manufacturer, embarked on expanding its operations, aiming for LEED Gold certification to highlight its commitment to sustainability. Partnering with Turner Construction, the company achieved LEED Platinum certification in 2012, enhancing its competitive edge. Posty Cards also pursued various third-party certifications, using FSC-certified paper and 100% Green-e certified renewable energy, becoming the only TRUE Platinum zero waste facility in the KC metro area. The company implemented waste reduction strategies, such as diverting over 90% of solid waste from landfills, composting, and collaborating with vendors to create custom paper sizes, eliminating 65,000 pounds of waste annually.
Key to Posty Cards' success was collaboration, working with local companies for waste aggregation and energy recovery. Erick Jessee, the company's president, emphasized that sustainable practices can differentiate businesses, highlighting the importance of trusted advisors and vendor partnerships. Posty Cards advises others to embrace sustainable products, engage suppliers for waste reduction solutions, and involve employees in sustainability efforts. Lessons learned include the significance of environmental responsibility, vendor collaboration, and the use of secondary materials to reduce costs and waste.