Protecting the Planet — Ken Mehlman and Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. Show How It’s Done
Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) was set up in the mid seventies and in those days their specialization was in leveraged buyouts. However, they have set up a unique project which concentrates not simply on profitability, but additionally on how ecologically aware each of their companies are. When Henry Kravis from KKR and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) got together a year ago green matters suddenly became a mainstream idea. Issues like hazardous chemicals and unconscionable consumption of water resources are a priority in their corporate mission. Eco-efficiency (a phrase first pitched by the WBCSD) is the methodology employed to achieve these objectives, applying environmentally sustainable techniques like increasing the durability of products, fuel economy and reducing the dispersion of toxic chemicals. The program was initially well received, however the KKR and EDF didn’t even understand the scope of the program’s benefits until the man responsible for the Green Portfolio Project, Ken Mehlman, studied the project when it had been functioning for a year. Exceeding all expectations, Ken saw that practicing eco-efficiency not only helped in preserving the environment, but also increased the the profit from all their business organizations besides. Currently, KKR and Ken Mehlman have almost every business in their portfolio involved in eco-efficiency techniques. If you think about the fact that the group has a value of eighty six billion USD, you may be sure that this wasn’t a simple feat. The two organizations alongside Ken Mehlman are further developing the original program. The Climate Corps Program founded by the Environmental Defense Fund is a great illustration of this, it campaigns for cost-effective, green principles to interns studying for a Master’s in Business Administration. KKR and Ken Mehlman have made the effort to develop a variety of products which quantify and administer various resources. With this information available, any type of business can measure each of their daily processes and identify how any problems can be solved while simultaneously seeing their progress.
Henry Kravis, the KKR, and the Environmental Defense Fund really are pioneers in the world of green business. These unique developments have set a high standard for business organizations in every industry and proved that making profits need not entail the hefty price of negatively impacting our planet.
