Feedback: December 2013

Question: The discussion of sustainability as a business issue spans practical and ideological considerations. Looking at “green” from the practical aspect of impact on business growth, what is it you’re doing that has had an immediate, notable effect on your business?
Robert Anderson
CEO
Prisma
Sector: Marketing Services

We began examining how we could integrate more sustainable business practices into our operations about 10 years ago. This includes using more energy-efficient lighting in our buildings, now totaling 145,000 square feet; consideration on electricity usage when purchasing new equipment; and replacing older vehicles with new, more fuel-efficient delivery trucks. We also look at the best routes for deliveries in order to reduce the time it takes to deliver product to customers, the gas consumption and the costs we incur.

As a full-service marketing firm that includes commercial printing services, we use soy inks and print on recycled content whenever possible. To take this a step further, we implemented a companywide recycling program that has made a significant impact. On a monthly basis, we now recycle 283,000 pounds of material, including paper cardboard and aluminum. The result is a savings of $20,000 per month, which is substantial when you look at it over the course of a year. By expanding the program to our customers and employees, everyone is now thinking about how to reduce, recycle and reuse.

Robert Anderson is a third-generation Arizona native and a graduate of Northern Arizona University. Before purchasing Prisma in 2000, Anderson spent 15 years working for two large commercial printers. Since 2000, Anderson has led the company transition from a traditional, high-end boutique printer to an all-inclusive commercial print and direct marketing solutions provider. As the driving force behind Prisma, Anderson strives to meet the changing needs of the marketplace.

Bo Calbert
President
McCarthy Building Companies Southwest Division
Sector: Construction

The emphasis on sustainability has had an impact on McCarthy in three key ways: direct market sector growth, lower operations costs to clients through energy-efficient technologies, and “green” job-site practices.

Most directly, the evolution of solar power has brought exponential growth to our renewable energy division. Whether owners are adding solar panels to structures for more affordable energy, or communities are seeking to build utility-grade solar, McCarthy’s team of experts have been integral to developing this market sector in Arizona.

Advancements in technology are producing highly energy-efficient mechanical and water systems, which our teams introduce and provide to clients. These systems run more efficiently, having a positive impact on operations costs in buildings, including schools and hospitals.

Finally, McCarthy brings the added value of applying our “green construction” best practices to every project. We begin by setting the project’s “Green Goals,” which are focused on diverting waste from the landfill, use of local and recycled construction materials, providing on-site recycling and carpool parking. Clients value these practices, and respond favorably to the efforts.

As president, Calbert oversees construction operations across the region, including projects in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. He also serves on the firm’s leadership team, focusing on expanding and developing markets. During his 27-year career with McCarthy, Calbert worked through the ranks in four McCarthy regions, and was named Southwest Division President in 2000. His experience spans industries, including healthcare, semiconductor, water/wastewater, hospitality, office and public projects.

Bob Oldfather
Founder and CEO
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Sector: Retail

Our practice of sustainability is founded on and stems from our core business model: Reuse. Our business is based on the premise that many disposable goods are actually durable and have value. When someone sells their used goods to Bookmans, they receive “trade credit” to purchase other products from Bookmans, which markedly increases that value.

This model creates huge advantages for the financial management of our business. Reduced cash cost for inventory and more flexible margin control immediately spring to mind. It also has produced arguably the greatest bounce-back offer in the history of retail: Bookmans Trade Credit.

All of this is true irrespective of the implications of this model for sustainability, yet the “green” value cannot be overstated. In its 35+ years of existence, Bookmans has saved millions of items from going into landfills. It is true that Bookmans strongly supports the social and ideological goals of what we hope is the “green revolution.” But for us, our business model — defined in its essence by sustainability — is the bedrock of our success.

Bob Oldfather just wanted a cool place to work. More than 30 years later, he and his team have built six stores in Arizona and created a unique culture of respect. In 2013, he opened Bookmans Sports Exchange in Tucson, Ariz., using the same philosophy but applying it to the world of sports, fitness and outdoor gear. Bookmans also supports the community through core values that include literacy, freedom of speech, animal welfare and the environment.