Kellen News
For Immediate Release:
Stephanie Fraiman
T. 212.297.2129
E. sfraiman@kellencompany.com
Sustainability: What Everyone Should Know
Washington, D.C. (March 5, 2010) — Sustainability, a constantly growing topic in today’s world, affects every industry, virtually every trade association and even every manager.
According to Allen Weidman, chief sustainability executive at Kellen Company, a leading global association management company with clients representing more than 100,000 members worldwide, too many managers still don’t know enough about sustainability.
One of the few sustainability executives in association management, Weidman advises Kellen clients across the country on elements of sustainability which could impact their industry, in both the short or long term.
“Oftentimes, many industry executives see sustainability as an unnecessary added cost,” said Weidman. “In today’s world it can be an important way to save costs, with the added benefit of helping the environment.”
In an article in the February 5, issue of Plastics News, Weidman writes that “most immediately and directly, sustainability can reduce energy costs – and in some cases, the savings can be substantial.”
The area is particularly noticeable in the building industry where sustainability includes water use efficiency, renewable energy, insulation and weatherproofing, recycling, indoor environmental quality, use of regional materials and a building’s overall impact on the environment.
New sustainability standards are proposed and adopted by professional societies almost every day and they will affect everyone.
He urges companies and trade associations to waste no time in getting involved and keeping abreast of sustainability measures proposed for their industries. Without the input of these organizations, some of the proposals being put forward by academics, consultants and regulators could prove impractical, unnecessarily costly and ultimately counterproductive, according to Weidman.
“Put another way, sustainability can be a wonderful thing, but you cannot afford to let it blindside you,” he said. “Above all, you need to understand how new sustainability guidelines are likely to affect you and your industry – and protect yourself against their possible misuse.”
About Kellen Company
Founded in 1964, Kellen Company provides association management, government affairs, public relations, meetings management, creative communications, Web site development and other professional services to associations, as well as individual companies and other organizations. Kellen serves more than 10,000 companies and 100,000 professionals worldwide, either through its more than 100 client associations or directly from offices and representation in the United States, Europe, China, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit www.kellencompany.com, www.kelleneurope.com.