DALTON—In this new, environmentally conscious world, the concept of being green has expanded into one of sustainability. What exactly that means, though, is a cause of confusion for many, especially retailers, who are trying to transform their businesses to being more eco-oriented and thus meeting consumer expectations, while also trying to maintain both sales and profits.
Tim Gray, director of
Mohawk University, the educational arm of
Mohawk Industries, said, “Sustainability is more than just recycling or reusing materials. It’s about achieving effective economic, social and environmental balance for your business.”
So while the term sustainability may seem vague to many flooring retailers, he said it is clearly defined in the newest course from Mohawk University— Environmental Advantage: Business Growth Through Sustainability.
Designed to be equally useful for owners, sales associates and anyone else involved in retail operations, Gray said the course teaches immediate action steps to decrease expenses and increase business, and then helps stores create ongoing plans for being greener—and more profitable.
The class focuses on three key areas:
• Profit. The lasting economic impact a business makes for itself and community;
• People. Engaged in the business and community to make an impact, and
• Planet. Stewardship of natural resources to ensure healthy continuity.
“This simple framework allows a dealer and his team to start taking action the day after they finish the course,” he explained. “Retailers who have taken the course made immediate changes to reduce their utility costs dramatically, rearranged their floor plans to sell more green products and switched from throwing things away to recycling and getting positive media coverage for their actions.”
Participants learn from the thoughts, real-world experiences and best-proven practices of other retailers and sales associates, Gray added. “By the end of the course, participants clearly understand how sustainability results in a competitive advantage and higher revenues. This is green that truly matters and can have an immediate bottom-line impact.”
To make sure the class has the greatest impact, Mohawk has teamed with Abeo Partners to teach it. Abeo focuses on providing strategies and solutions that support lasting behavior change in areas including sustainability, environment and health.
“Abeo is Latin for change,” Gray concluded, “and our goal with this new course is to help stores owners make important changes and stick with them. We want retailers to be able to improve their short-term bottom-line financial position— and improve top-line sales by driving more traffic and closing more deals.”
For more information about Mohawk University’s new Environmental Advantage course, call 800.664.2958.
