I recently attended a forum on Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability hosted by Canada’s Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, and Evergreen. The room was an invitation-only audience of company presidents and other executives who share a desire to create a more sustainable economy.

Many in the room were sustainability veterans blazing a trail for others – from Ray Anderson at Interface to Annette Verschuren at The Home Depot (one of our clients). The forum is a first step towards realizing the business case in adopting sustainable practices. The notes from the panelists and breakout groups are being compiled in a white paper that will be presented to both corporate and government leaders. It will highlight private sector leadership and successes already underway. It will also highlight some of the incentives and disincentives for governments to address.

Another view expressed by many, and I share it, is that we need leadership from government to set goals and rules the private sector can understand. Many business leaders want to adopt stronger environmental practices, but are worried that they will be off-target whenever government sets an agenda.

The Canadian government has announced a target for greenhouse gas reduction, but has not yet delivered a plan for how to achieve the goal. Minister Flaherty heard that message and I was encouraged by his interest in learning and listening.

At the end of the forum, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales arrived to receive a preliminary summary of the discussions and tour Evergreen’s Brick Works site to learn more about its exciting environmental education plans. Prince Charles has an impressive record of championing sustainability for years through many activities. Whatever you think of the monarchy, his example as a leader is impressive.