Sustainability Framework and My Client

Instead of focusing solely on profits, many companies today aim to improve the wellbeing of communities and the planet by seeking sustainable solutions to economic, social, and environmental issues. As with a lot of movements, organizations must make sure that all relevant parties have knowledge about the core issue at hand as well as the necessary steps the organization plans to take in order to reach a solution. There are several existing frameworks that help guide organizations as they pursue sustainability, and each one is catered to the specific structure and needs of the organization. Some frameworks provide a general vision of what sustainability is while others inform the strategy of specific organizations by identifying impacts and reporting methods. Many companies today are pursuing B-Corporation (B Corp) certifications as a framework for accurately communicating progress about sustainability issues. These certifications help companies set goals and identify areas for improvement. I believe that my client, Perdue Farms, would also benefit greatly from a B Corp certification to not only establish a strong reputation with the investment community, but also promote transparency with the public.

Perdue Farms is an agricultural company that specializes in meat production and distribution. The company prides itself on its partnerships with animal rights organizations, its commitment to zero antibiotics, and its status as an industry leader in sustainability. In 2018, Perdue Farms set aggressive short-term goals aimed at reducing emissions, water usage, and solid waste sent to landfills. Ever since then, Perdue Farms has made several improvements in the field of sustainability including: the installment of two solar panel systems, a biomass boiler, and a mechanism that converts methane (a greenhouse gas and major by-product of meat production) into energy. These innovations have reduced emissions by 73,000 tons annually. The company’s continual commitment to reducing environmental impacts has spurred development in other areas, such as job creation. Perdue’s local partnerships and sustainability ventures have opened up new markets as more resources are pouring in for development of more sustainable technologies and practices. Perdue Farms has also been transparent about the areas where they fall short. In 2019, Perdue Farms has increased its emissions and water consumption while diverting a small percentage of solid waste away from landfills. This transparency is important because it identifies what areas Perdue Farms needs to work on in order to achieve its sustainability-related goals.

Public transparency along with its recent innovations make Perdue Farms a hot contender for a B Corp certification. Not only is Perdue Farms working to improve the environment, but the creation of new markets and partnerships have also allowed the company to be sustainable socially and economically. Because the purpose of a B Corp is to protect the interests of employees, the community, and the environment, I believe that such a certification will work hand in hand with what Perdue Farms is already doing. Furthermore, Perdue’s willingness to admit shortcomings helps identify weaknesses and set the bar for future sustainability ventures. All in all, a B Corp certification provides a verifiable way for Perdue Farms to communicate its successes and determine what more needs to be done.