Many for-profit companies develop corporate goals on sustainability, based on the pillars of environmental, social, and governance, better known as ESG.  While these goals are typically focused on minimizing waste, conserving resources, reducing emissions, and increasing transparency in business practices, our team at Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC knows there is an opportunity to strengthen the social pillar, particularly as it relates to operationalizing environmental justice.  

 

Environmental justice is a movement, much like the civil rights movement, but also, an aspiration to create a world by which ALL people have access to a clean, healthy environment, and are able to participate and influence the policy and decision-making that can impact the health and sustainability of one’s community. 

 

The most prominent definition of environmental justice was adopted by the federal government in April 2023, as a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order 14096 on Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All. It reads: 

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“Environmental justice” means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:

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(i) are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and

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(ii) have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.

 

During the Biden-Harris Administration, the federal government spearheaded critical initiatives and investments to mitigate the impacts of climate change, strengthen environmental regulations to protect our air, water, and land, and ensure investments in sustainability and clean energy infrastructure reached communities across the United States that have had to deal with the multiple burdens of pollution and underinvestment.   With that foundation, our team at Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC believes that the for-profit sector - in partnership with the public sector, academia, and community-based organizations - has a unique opportunity to strengthen their sustainability work by stepping in and stepping up their commitments, investments, and relationships to help achieve environmental justice in communities where they have a footprint.  

 

The leadership and partners at Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC have had the opportunity to operationalize equity and environmental justice at the highest levels of the federal government, while working closely with a diverse array of partners and community leaders.  Now is the time to build a strong, collaborative partnership, and community of learning and practice for companies that are committed to not only increasing their bottom-line, but also driving the values of equity and environmental justice, across their business units and value chains.  This initiative will work to develop deep partnerships while having a positive impact on people and the environment. 

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​We know that achieving environmental justice takes action, advocacy and acceleration at the local level.  It is critical – now more than ever – that local and state governments continue to develop, meet, exceed and measure goals to ensure the communities they are called to serve are becoming healthier, safer and more sustainable.  It is also important to have the right liaison to enable stronger, healthier relationships between impacted communities and governmental entities.  Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC is uniquely positioned to help governmental leaders institutionalize equity, environmental justice and sustainability.  The purpose of this Initiative is to better understand the gaps and challenges to operationalizing equity and environmental justice; to create a community of practice among governmental leaders to share models of success and develop collective solutions to common barriers; and, to begin to build the economic case for investing in such efforts at the local and state level.  No matter how big or small the city, county or governmental unit; no matter how advanced or the lack of progress you’ve made; Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC is ready to build with YOU and like-minded leaders a path towards enduring equity and justice.  Let’s talk about beginning this together. 

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If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.