Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) was established by Henry Kravis and his business partner George Roberts in the 1970’s with the support of the First Chicago Corporation. However, they have launched a remarkable green proposal that focuses not just on maximizing their profit margins, but additionally on how ecologically friendly each of their companies are. Green business processes went mainstream a year ago when Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co’s Henry Kravis and the New York based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) merged. Key environmental issues like toxic emissions and ecologically unsustainable water consumption are a priority in their corporate mission.
Eco-efficiency (a phrase initially coined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development WBCSD) represents the framework for their mission, through applying techniques such as reducing the dispersion of toxic chemicals, improving fuel economy through vehicle fleet maintenance and reducing the waste of resources. Although the project was an enormous success, managment simply didn’t realize how important the consequences were until Ken Mehlman, the head of the program and global public affairs, studied the first year’s figures. Capping all expectations, Ken learned that eco-efficiency not only increased environmental awareness, but also increased the profitability of all their business organizations as well. Just about all of the business organizations affiliated to KKR and Ken Mehlman now actively participate in the Green Portfolio Project. When you look at the fact that the portfolio is valued at 86,000,000,000 dollars, you can see what a challenge this actually is. KKR with the EDF with the assistance of Ken Mehlman are further developing the original Green Portfolio project. The Climate Corps Program administrated by the EDF is one of these, it promotes eco-efficient techniques to students taking a Master’s in Business Administration.
KKR and Ken Mehlman have been creating a variety of metrics and analytic tools which have the ability to evaluate and manage resources. This type of info is invaluable as companies can evaluate each of their daily activities and find out exactly how they can improve while simultaneously allowing staff to view their impact on the environment. Today’s business world has been transformed by the pioneering efforts of Henry Kravis, the KKC, and the Environmental Defense Fund. These innovative concepts have set a high standard for organizations in every sector and proved that running a profitable business need not entail the hefty price of damaging the environment.
