Erin Meezan: What nature can teach us about sustainable business | In The Green
Nature as a Benchmark for Sustainability
The Role of Nature in Climate Solutions
- Erin Meezan emphasizes the ongoing debate about climate action and suggests that nature, with its 3.8 billion years of research and development, serves as an ideal benchmark for sustainable practices.
- She highlights nature's ability to perform complex chemistry and engineering, urging businesses to harness these natural processes for sustainability.
Interface's Journey Towards Sustainability
- Meezan introduces Interface, a company operating in the building and construction sector, which contributes nearly 40% of global carbon emissions.
- Initially, Interface products had significant environmental impacts due to resource wastage and unmeasured carbon footprints; this prompted a shift towards sustainability.
Learning from Nature's Design
- The company sought inspiration from nature by asking how it would design flooring without adhesives, leading to innovations inspired by gecko feet that eliminated glue usage.
- Over two decades, Interface has innovated to create products that store more carbon than they emit, achieving a net positive environmental impact.
Implementing Nature-Inspired Practices
- Meezan discusses initiatives like rainwater collection systems in factories that mimic nature’s methods of harvesting and purifying water.
- Opportunities for onsite carbon storage through planting trees or creating green roofs are explored as part of their commitment to sustainability.
Collaborative Efforts in Sustainability
- Other companies have begun engaging with Interface’s sustainability efforts, sharing insights and accelerating collective learning within the industry.