Leading the Sustainability Movement

Transformation and accountability require leadership and innovation. Product and service innovations will only be adopted if the people involved in the sustainability movement are committed, credible, engaging, and collaborative.

The green building community is unique in that collaboration is in our DNA. Sustainable living is only possible if corporate leaders, policymakers, designers, developers, and manufacturers are bought into the mission. We asked our experts who will shape our green building future.

The leaders in sustainability will be design engineers and municipal planners who embed sustainability in the function of products and cities to promote quality of life and also systematically remove waste that has been historically embedded into the daily activities of our communities.” - Herro, Meritage Homes

“Social media disruptors (like Greta Thunberg), product disruptors, and industry disruptors will all play a role. The common thread is authenticity. People want to connect with the individuals, brands, and leaders that offer honesty and transparency.” - Conway, Interface

10 Attributes of the Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow

Collaborative
Open to Innovation
Data-Centric
Transparent
Health-Focused
Committed to Cultural and Community Change
Fearless
Inclusive
Curious and Engaged
Inspirational

“Architects, industry trade associations, the construction industry, regulators and policymakers, and educational institutions will all play a role in leadership. Manufacturers and technology leaders, as well as start-up organizations, will innovate.” - Vagal, Mohawk

Leadership and innovations will come from corporations and brands. The federal government and many municipalities move too slowly and even backward in some cases.” - Taranto, Structure Tone

Consulting and engineering groups will be the major leaders...they provide concentrated expertise that gives tremendous value to the general public. They can assist businesses in transitioning their operations to a reduced environmental impact, without requiring owners to form their own teams of experts to solve issues from within.” - Agazio, Motili

Generation Z will raise the bar on the expectations of companies. They will choose to do business with companies that are ‘raising the bar’ on sustainability.” - Bandy, CSR and Sustainability Leader

Everyone can lead. We need to reach a point where individuals’ actions are inherently leading to sustainability in every facet.” - Sims, American Chemistry Council