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How's your ecological intelligence?

A shared collective consciousness of ecological intelligence and responsible business is developing amongst market leading firms

Ecological intelligence is the conscious understanding that consumption and the effects of consumption impacts on our environment. Many corporations and businesses are becoming more aware of the big challenges facing the planet and they're setting a more sustainable course. Empowered leaders are assuming responsibility for creating a sustainable future by developing a conscience for ‘caring and conserving', rather than ‘competing and consuming'.

Many corporations, businesses, governments, communities, and individuals are moving towards more sustainable ways of working and living. We at TAFE SWSi take the issue of sustainability very seriously and are committed to integrating environmental sustainability into our operations, practices and decision-making.

Business sustainability comprises the essential relationships between economic growth and development, and social, environmental and economic outcomes. Ecological intelligence and responsible business goes hand in hand. In 2009, Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General stated "Business as usual is not an option". The UN is not alone in voicing their concerns, in 2010 Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever said  "those companies that  wait  to  be  forced  into  action  or  who  see  it  solely  in  terms  of  reputation  management  or corporate social responsibility (CSR)  will  do  too  little  too  late  and  may  not  even survive".

Globally, a shared collective consciousness of ecological intelligence and responsible business is developing amongst market leading firms. Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo commented "PepsiCo's commitment to sustainability is about an idea of the company which focuses on the long-term. We cannot contribute properly to finding an end to the climate crisis until we bring environmental and social governance into our long-term business strategies/decisions. It's not all about the risks, but also about the opportunities". Nike Inc., Vice President, Sustainable Business and Innovation, Hannah Jones agrees and stated "Companies need to be seeding innovation and new ideas now in order to thrive in a resource constrained world. We need thought-provoking research to help us collaborate and advocate for the right future solutions around the most important issues on sustainability".

A transformation in corporate ecological intelligence is occurring through raised awareness and education. Organisational leaders are looking at ways to balance economic and societal goals through "sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations".