In this episode we welcome Donna Switzer, a certified sustainability professional and environmental auditor, to discuss the principles and importance of corporate sustainability. Donna explains the formal definition of sustainability from the Rio Earth Summit and the core elements of environmental footprint, social impact, and regulatory compliance. She shares practical examples of successful corporate sustainability programs and emphasizes the value of focusing on long-term business objectives. Donna also highlights common barriers to adopting sustainability initiatives and provides strategies for overcoming them. The episode concludes with recommendations for resources and the significance of company-wide involvement in sustainability efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:30 Defining Sustainability

02:48 Corporate Sustainability Programs

03:57 Historical Context of Sustainability

04:40 Environmental Footprint Explained

05:56 Examples of Environmental Impact

09:32 Hazard Communication and Sustainability

13:11 Social Aspects of Sustainability

18:05 Navigating Political Agendas in Sustainability

22:10 Successful Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

28:51 Impact of Social Issues on Business

30:08 Barriers to Implementing Sustainability Programs

32:11 Involving the Whole Company in Sustainability

34:52 Challenges and Standards in Sustainability

38:09 Developing a Two-Year Sustainability Plan

44:39 Resources for Implementing Sustainability

48:09 Recommended Books on Sustainability

49:30 Final Thoughts on Sustainability

Donna Switzer

Compliance Program Manager

Donna Switzer, CPEA, CHMM, CSR-P is a Certified Sustainability Professional and a Certified Professional Environmental Auditor who has been conducting environmental compliance audits and implementing sustainability programs for more than 30 years for numerous organizations. During this time, Ms. Switzer has helped organizations to understand their risks, create objectives for continuous improvements, and helped develop reports to showcase progress. Ms. Switzer is passionate about reducing risks associated with air emissions, water quality and availability, waste management, chemical and product handling, and workplace safety. Before becoming a consultant in 2001, Ms. Switzer managed compliance programs for various manufacturers and for a commercial waste management company. In addition to being a consultant, Ms. Switzer was the founder of Beyond Compliance in the greater Philadelphia area, and is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Engineering at Villanova University where she teaches engineers sustainability and auditing principles to improve design, construction, and operation of equipment, processes, and infrastructure.