The Greening of Adidas

Replacing fluorescent lights or sodium outdoor lamps with LEDs makes sense from both a conservation and an economic standpoint. While LEDs cost more upfront, their longer life span and energy efficiency mean the initial investment can be recovered in just a few years. After that, LEDs generate a positive rate of return, freeing up cash for other expenses. Such calculations, however, don’t usually sway chief financial officers, who often view capital investments outside their core business as distractions.

To help make the business case for sustainability, the Environmental Defense Fund began a program in 2008 that recruits MBA students and puts them through a week of training in which they learn to talk about energy efficiency in ways that bean counters can relate to. The nonprofit then places its Climate Corps fellows at companies for 10- to 12-week internships. “They come in with a sense of humility and open ears,” says Liz Delaney, who runs the program. “A fresh perspective uncovers real solutions.”