News + Trends

DOMANI’s groundbreaking projects are making news all over the world. Find out more about the company’s impact on sustainable business by clicking on any of the recent articles below, download an informative white paper on global warming, or visit our archives to get a taste of our rich heritage.

Water: Why Investors (and you) Care

Monday, February 22, 2010
Sustainable Business Weekly

Water is now a physical and reputational/brand risk - and opportunity - for your company. Though not new to the beverage sector, water has now emerged as a critical business issue in a wide range industry sectors.

Major US Retailers Drop Products Sourced from Canadian Oil Sands

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Earth & Industry

In an effort to slash CO2 output, Whole Foods, Bed Bath & Beyond announce they will no longer buy products sourced using Canadian oil sands.

Why Voluntary Sustainability Reporting is Dead

Monday, February 1, 2010
Earth & Industry

The Security and Exchange Commission’s new corporate guidance for disclosing climate change risk may signal the end of voluntary sustainability reporting as we know it.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Water Questionnaire

Monday, January 18, 2010
Evironment21

Will Sarni, founder and CEO of Domani, a consulting firm that provides innovative business and technical sustainability solutions to companies operating around the world, will from time-to-time contribute to this blog. His perspective is particularly enriching to the blog's readers as illustrated in his membership in the Environmental Compliance Committee of the Chicago Climate Exchange and his activities with the Conference Board and Sustainable Life Media/Sustainable Brands.

Is Your Company Ready for Water Disclosure? Probably Not

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Earth & Industry

If you love the Carbon Disclosure Project Questionnaire, you will love the Water Disclosure Questionnaire. The question is: Are you prepared?

The CDP recently announced that they would begin sending out a Water Disclosure Questionnaire in 2010 to the largest 300 global companies and the questionnaires will be summarized in a report in late 2010.

Claiming You’re “Water Neutral” Can Damage Your Brand

Monday, November 23, 2009
Harvard Business Publishing

The problem with claiming that your company is (or aspires to be) carbon or water neutral is that it’s impossible to be either. No company can fully eliminate its carbon or water footprint. Sure, it can improve its resource use, reduce emissions, and then buy offsets.

Oxfam America Includes DOMANI in Recent Report on Climate Change

Thursday, October 8, 2009
Oxfam

Oxfam America has recently identified DOMANI as a solution provider to some of the social and natural resource challenges associated with climate change, helping to build climate preparedness. In the report, Oxfam has recognized DOMANI's stand in both the public and private sector to understand the threats posed by climate change and to develop adaptation strategies. Oxfam concludes that this type of awareness in forward-thinking companies like DOMANI, as well as partnerships with vulnerable communities, will create new business opportunities nationwide. Download Oxfam's report on climate change and opportunities for green economic growth.

Why You Should Worry about Water in Your Supply Chain

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Harvard Business Publishing

What is the next critical environmental supply chain issue? Water. The linkage between water and business was a hot topic at the August 2009 Stockholm World Water Week. Bjorn Stigson, president of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, singled out supply-chain water use for specific attention. As fresh water becomes more scarce and supplies uncertain, how companies use water and where it comes from will increasingly affect their business risks and opportunities.

Greenwash Hits the Courtroom: Why the 'Green Wave' Now Includes LitigationTuesday, September 29, 2009
Earth & Industry

The ‘green wave‘ of sustainability now includes, and will increasingly include, an aspect of litigation. Why litigation and what will be litigated?

As sustainability becomes increasingly regulated, litigation is inevitable. This week we saw movement towards increased threat of litigation in two key areas; greenwashing and climate change. While I will focus on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) move to prosecute misleading environmental claims, the week also included a ruling that states can bring litigation against utilities that emit greenhouse gas emissions.

BusinessBenefits

Thursday, September 24, 2009
Venture Magazine

What is green production? Put simply, green production is eliminating waste in the manufacturing process. It sounds just like lean manufacturing taken to another level. But why is this important for your business? It is important because it can reduce waste in the production process and reduce costs.

2009: The Birth of the Electric Car

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Earth & Industry

I have to confess, I like cars a lot. I also love mass transit (in particular, the light rail in Denver and fast rail in Europe), but there is something very special about a car such as the Porsche 356 or the Tesla Roadster. As a result, I tend to follow the auto sector somewhat closely and track new design and technologies.

Water Strategy as a Business Imperative

Thursday, August 26, 2009
Earth & Industry

This past week SABMiller and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a report: “Water Footprinting: Identifying & Addressing Water Risks in the Value Chain.” This is a big deal, and let me explain why. SABMiller recognizes that water is a key business risk and they opted to be transparent in addressing this issue. Although corporate water strategies, water footprint and “offset approaches” are in their infancy (similar to the carbon and climate change issue and methodology several years ago), the attention businesses are giving to water is accelerating.

Why Sustainability Strategy Alignment Is "The Right Thing To Do"

Thursday, August 6, 2009
Earth & Industry

We often talk about the greening of companies in terms of "the right thing to do." The "triple bottom line" and "people, planet, profit" are catchy, but most companies look to leverage sustainability to create value for their stakeholders. Certainly, the successful companies take this approach. From a business perspective, "the right thing to do" is adopting a genuine sustainability strategy that is completely aligned with your overall company strategy. If executed well, this can create long-term value.

What's Your Company's Water Footprint?

Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Harvard Business Review

Last year we heard a chorus of "water is the new oil," including a memorable BusinessWeek cover depicting oil baron T. Boone Pickens knee-deep in H20. This year, the cry is "water is the new carbon" in response to a heightened awareness that resources such as water are more critical and valuable to a company's operation (and brand value) than previously assumed. If you are a water-intensive business such as the food and beverage sector, water is now at the top of your list of sustainability issues to address. Yes, water is a key business risk that needs to be managed just as energy and carbon are now managed.

Some See Exxon Investments Into Alt Energy Signaling 'Paradigm Shift' for Big Oil

Thursday, July 16, 2009
New York Times

Is Big Oil warming at last to the notion of an alternative-energy future? So say some analysts who are pondering Exxon Mobil Corp.'s recent moves. Breaking from years of steadfast commitment to fossil fuels, the behemoth has announced big investments in electric cars, unconventional natural gas and algae-based biofuels.

Will Sarni Helps Coke and Cisco Save the Planet and Make More Money

Thursday, July 2, 2009
Cause Capitalism

Will Sarni firmly believes that if a company is not engaging in viable sustainable initiatives, it's positioning itself as a dinosaur. Will discusses how he advises companies–like Coca-Cola and Wrigley–on sustainability, whether sustainability has finally shed its skin as a moral initiative and when things 'tipped.'

Will Sarni on Companies and the Environment

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
OurBlook.com

Editor's Note: Will is based in Colorado as founder and CEO of DOMANI, an environmental consulting company. He has 30 years' experience in this field and has managed development projects throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia and has provided expert testimony on various issues. We thought him being in a clean-air, outdoorsy state would lend special significance to his views on this topic.

Sustainability Opinion Leader: Will Sarni, CEO of DOMANI Sustainability Consulting

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Environment in the 21st Century: Envrionment21

One of the objectives of this blog is to share the insights and observations of opinion leaders who can help each of us as practitioners involved in environmental, energy, and natural resources issues -- and particularly the interrelationship among these issues -- understand the challenges and opportunities of today as well as tomorrow. One of America's top sustainability opinion leaders, Will Sarni, chief executive officer of the sustainability consulting firm DOMANI, discusses sustainability and how it is being carried out in a leading consulting firm.

Technology Advances, Price Retreats Spur New Solar Ventures

Thursday, June 11, 2009
New York Times

Technology advances and falling prices for solar technology have opened the gates for solar installations by businesses with no background in electricity generation. Real estate managers, developers, hotels, supermarkets and others are tapping solar power alongside electric utilities and getting paid for it. Other companies are getting involved with solar to gain some control over unpredictable energy prices.

Staying Green - Green Columns By William Sarni

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Venture Magazine: Green Business

So now that we are officially in the midst of a recession, how do companies manage to stick with sustainability initiatives while dealing with shrinking budgets and scarcity of capital? This could be a list of "to-dos" consisting of items like changing your light bulbs to CFLs and getting rid of bottled water. But while having some benefit at minimal cost, such items miss the real opportunities for businesses, even in the presumed middle of a recession.

Sustainable Opportunities in the Obama Administration - Green Columns By William Sarni

Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Venture Magazine: Green Business

This U.S. election season saw an unprecedented connection between green and politics. Democrat or Republican, the ads and the rhetoric included discussions of renewable energy, clean tech and “green jobs.” Now the rubber meets the road, so let’s explore what could unfold.

Green Energy - Green Columns by Will Sarni

December 1, 2008
Venture Magazine: Green Business

The topic of green efforts in the energy sector is broad. To provide a snapshot of current efforts, one could answer a series of questions such as: What are the major oil and gas companies doing; what about the efforts of major utilities; where is venture capital flowing; and where is the real innovation in the energy sector?

Integrating Sustainability with the Bottom Line

November 19, 2008
BlogTalkRadio.com

Will Sarni and Dan Montgomery discuss the obstacles that companies face when integrating sustainability measures into the ongoing management cycle of planning, budgeting, and performance management.

Your Company’s Climate Risk: Publish or Perish!

September 17, 2008
Sustainable Life Media

Still foot-dragging on reporting your company's financial risk from climate change? Your days are numbered.

"Low-Carbon Supply Chains" – Missing the Point?

August 5, 2008
Sustainable Life Media

For starters, let's stop calling it "low-carbon supply chains" and start referring to it as "low energy-cost supply chains."

Experts on Achieving Sustainable Business Success Convene October 29 in New York

July 23, 2008 - Burlingame, CA

Andrew Winston chairs “Sustainable Business Success: An Eco-Advantage Summit”

Growth with Green - Green Columns by Will Sarni

July 17, 2008
Venture Magazine: Green Business

Question: “Can growth and green go hand in hand?” Answer: “You’re asking the wrong question.”

Sustainable Brands 2008

June 28, 2008 - Monterrey, CA
Lara Abrams Communications

The Abram's Clean Tech Report on the Sustainable Brands 2008 Conference - Conversations with Companies

DOMANI Sponsors The Conference Board's Business and Sustainability Conference

June 12 -13, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development

William Sarni is chairing the session The Nexus: Energy, Climate, and Water on Thursday, June 12 at 2:15 pm at the conference at the Renaissance Washington, DC. This year's theme is A Decade Ahead for Bold Choices and Big Change.

Sustainable Brands Conference 2008

June 2-4, 2008, Monterey, California
bizjournals.com

Read about the takeaways from the Sustainability Conference.

Gettting Started - Green Columns by Will Sarni

March 25, 2008
Venture Magazine: Green Business

Two sustainability leaders you may have seen a lot of in the business press: Patagonia founder and owner Yvon Chouinard and Interface founder Ray Anderson. Why so much attention?

Green Leaders - Green Columns by Will Sarni

December 21, 2007
Venture Magazine: Green Business

Who would have thought even five years ago that Wal-Mart, the world's largest corporation, would turn into the Pied Piper of sustainable business? The retail giant's sustainability program has quickly evolved from "just another corporate green initiative" to a high-impact, industry-wide movement with significant implications for its employees, customers and suppliers around the world.

Green Practices - Green Columns by Will Sarni

October 17, 2007
Venture Magazine: Green Business

A new business reality has gained much attention these past few years: Being “green” has been demonstrated to help drive operating performance, increase revenue and enhance brand value.

Coca-Cola Foodservice Reduces Environmental Footprint - One Drop at a Time

September 26, 2007 - Atlanta, GA

DOMANI worked closely with Coca-Cola Foodservice to reduce its carbon footprint.

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. announces Colorado Climate Action Plan to address climate change

November 7, 2008 - Denver, CO
Colorado.gov

Under the plan, the Governor will issue an executive order by the end of the year establishing a statewide greenhouse gas emissions reductions target of 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and an 80 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2050.

Denver Eco-Advantage Tour Release

August 07, 2007; Burlingame, CA.

The Denver Office of Economic Development, the Denver Mayor’s office, DOMANI, IMA Financial Group Inc. and several local sustainable business NGOs have announced support for an upcoming “Eco-Advantage Salon”

BASF Retains DOMANI to Provide Energy Modeling on a Sustainable Development Revitalization Program in a Blighted Philadelphia Neighborhood.

June 26, 2007; Denver, CO

DOMANI, an executive level sustainability consulting and management firm, has been retained by BASF, the world's largest chemical company, to provide professional energy modeling expertise on a project that will transform a blighted West Philadelphia neighborhood into a sustainable, energy efficient, high-performance community.

DOMANI and Winston Eco-Strategies Develop Alliance on
Sustainability Consulting Projects

May 22, 2007; Denver, CO

DOMANI and Winston Eco-Strategies have announced an alliance to work together to assist clients in the development and implementation of sustainability strategies.

DOMANI and Garnet Develop First Insurance Program for ‘Sustainable’ Companies

May 15, 2007; Denver, CO

DOMANI Sustainability Consulting, a leading executive management consultancy, and Garnet Captive Insurance Services, a leader in designing alternative insurance programs, have announced an alliance to create the first captive insurance program designed exclusively for companies that are committed to sustainable business practices.

Next-Generation ‘Sustainable Development Community’ Emerges
In The Heart of Utah’s Prime Ski Country

NewPark hires DOMANI for expertise with LEED-ND Certification

Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI)
Contracted DOMANI to Enhance Sustainability Planning Tool

February 28, 2007; Denver, CO

DOMANI Sustainability Consulting, LLC, of Denver, Colorado, was retained by The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) to assist in the development of its SD (sustainable development) Planner™ Gateway, a new GEMI website that was launched last week.

DOMANI eNEWS - April/May 2007

High Court Ruling Fuels Need For Congress To Act On CO2 Rules, Observers Say

April 02, 2007

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, many observers say the decision will add momentum to demands for congressional climate change legislation and clarify a top-priority issue facing businesses in many sectors.

2007: A “Pivotal Year” for Corporate Sustainability and CSR

DOMANI demonstrates how TQM ‘Kano Analysis’ can strengthen brand value