Originally published: May 2009 by TED · Recorded at TED2009 (February 2009)
The Business Case for Sustainability
Ray Anderson, founder of carpet manufacturer Interface, describes in this TED2009 talk the moment that changed his view of business. After reading Paul Hawken's The Ecology of Commerce, he set his petroleum-intensive company on "Mission Zero": eliminating its negative environmental impact. He explains how cutting waste and emissions went hand in hand with lower costs, stronger sales and a more motivated workforce.
Key Takeaways
- The "take, make, waste" industrial model can be redesigned.
- Sustainability can reduce costs, inspire employees and win customers.
- If a petroleum-intensive company can transform, any company can.
Why It Matters for ESG and Sustainability Management
Anderson's story remains one of the clearest examples that sustainability is a source of value, not just a cost. A well-designed ESG strategy turns that insight into targets and action. See GreenCo's guide to sustainability strategy development.
Turn Inspiration into Action with GreenCo
GreenCo is an ESG and climate risk advisory firm in Singapore and Hong Kong, trusted since 2016 by public and private companies and multinational companies. We have supported more than 80 listed companies with all-round ESG advisory under one roof, from strategy, materiality and sustainability reporting to GHG accounting, climate scenario analysis, ESG ratings and assurance. We can build your ESG framework from scratch, and our consultants stay actively involved throughout the whole project.
We use AI and digital tools to work faster, but AI is a tool, not the advice. The real value comes from our consultants' professional judgement: understanding your business, interpreting the rules, challenging the numbers and making sure every disclosure stands up to scrutiny.
Our Values
- Integrity – credible, decision-useful disclosures, prevent greenwashing.
- Partnership – hands-on involvement from day one to end of project.
- Tailored expertise – solutions built around your business.
- Knowledge sharing – making ESG regulations clear and accessible for everyone.
- Innovation – using technology to make sustainability work more efficient.
Our Team's Professional Credentials
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