Turning green

As we become more and more aware of the evils we are doing to the environment by mindlessly going about our daily routines, independently pledging to unplug our cell phone chargers in the morning, to buy local and to print on both sides of the paper, corporate America has started to do its part, as well. 2007 marked a heightened environmental awareness in the consulting industry; many firms have come up with formal ways of slashing energy usage, and have even implemented long-term plans to achieve carbon neutrality within the next few years.

L.E.K., Capgemini, IBM and A.T. Kearney are just a few of the firms that have demonstrated such inclinations. Formal green programs are aiming to increase use of recycled and recyclable office materials, reduce energy waste in daily operations and minimize of air travel to client sites, among other objectives. Consulting firms are also establishing environmental advisory practice areas, to help clients reduce their carbon footprints, as well.

Read more about these initiatives in this month's issue of Consulting.