Green America program to drive industries to design sustainable supply chains
Green America introduces its new Center for Sustainability Solutions, which promotes market-based innovations for sustainable supply chains in the energy, agriculture, labor and finance sectors.
The Center brings together diverse groups of stakeholders in “Innovation Networks” to solve problems that no one company, investor or organization can tackle alone.
The Center is in early stages of launching several new Innovation Networks to move big systems. These include a collaboration within the electronics industry to move towards zero toxic chemical exposure in the manufacturing process, electricity market models in the coming renewables-dominant energy system and transformative investment for sustainable agriculture.
“Green America is an indispensable partner in Ben & Jerry’s efforts to find whole system solutions to the task of rebuilding non-GMO supply chains in the US,” said Andy Barker, social mission strategy and policy manager for Ben & Jerry’s. “Their unique skills and experience in working with multiple stakeholders has accelerated and deepened our ability to drive change inside and outside our company. We are excited to continue working with the Green America team as they launch the Center for Sustainability Solutions.”
Errol Schweizer, executive global grocery coordinator, Whole Foods, said: “What they’re doing here is the first effort I’ve seen to really deal with the whole system. Everyone is so focused on their part of the supply chain, so no one can see the big systemic problems. The process we’re doing with the Center is exactly what we need to create real change.”
In June, 2015 the Center marked the hiring of its first director, Dave Feldman. He is a coalition builder, strategic thinker and national sustainability leader furthering the goals of sustainable and economic development. Feldman brings knowledge and experience from business, government and the not-for-profit sector together to build innovative solutions and create livable communities.
Center Director Dave Feldman said: “The Center approach is based on key players establishing agreement around a common agenda and creating a shared vision to solve it. The Center team maintains ongoing communications to build trust and relationships. A critical component is the backbone that provides overall strategic direction, facilitates dialogue among partners and orchestrates the projects of the groups.”
In 2006, Feldman co-founded Livability Project LLC, a mission-based service firm that helps communities build local economies and sustainability-oriented solutions. He is most well-known for his first green community hub, Bethesda Green, in Bethesda, Maryland, a model sustainable community initiative promoting energy efficiency, recycling and a community-wide environmental ethic.