Canyon clients are asking us to help them find ways to “green up” their companies and we’ve learned a bit about it from our use of sustainable building practices to create Canyon’s new office in Mesa, Arizona last year. Since then, we’ve gathered good ideas from businesses that are boosting their green-ness. Here are some ways you can get the green thing going.

Sustainability starts at the top. Get the chiefs involved, and then lay out your long-range plan. Big picture—start by putting your three Ps in balance: people, planet and profit.

People – Business viability begins with healthy communities, empowered employees and committed customers. Companies should focus first on investing in human capital, and then follow by providing products and services that contribute to quality of life for all.

Planet –Lessening impact on the planet means making business decisions that decrease waste and reduce use of energy and nonrenewable resources. This can happen through small initiatives (like recycling paper waste) and large ones (such as building facilities that operate with minimum energy needs).

Profit – This “P” totally intertwines with the previous two. Businesses need to generate profit to be economically sustainable, but it’s also proven that efforts to help people and the planet can produce a bottom-line advantage. It’s a balancing act.

A business that has the vision to employ all three elements of sustainability can ultimately enjoy financial success and, at the same time, help maintain a healthy planet for future generations. Ready to get going?