It has become apparent to me over the past two and half days at this conference that sustainability practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are areas companies should not ignore. Competing in the business climate of the future will require embracing these practices. With huge global companies like GE, Toyota, Wal-Mart, Sun, BP and many others stepping up to the plate these issues aren’t going to disappear nor does it appear to be solely a marketing gimmick. If researched carefully and thoughtfully this can be a journey of education (internally and externally), profitability, innovation and brand recognition. However, once implemented it needs to be a transparent effort to all of your stakeholders. Consumers in particular, in this age of instant information, will rip companies apart if actions and words aren’t in synch. Companies should hire consultants or create internal sustainability expert positions to help guide them in determining sustainability goals and objectives, calculating and auditing energy usage and carbon footprints and creating actions to achieve the goals. The future is likely to hold mandatory regulations and compliance for reducing carbon emissions. It is wise to get ahead of the curve rather than be left behind or feel like the last guy picked for the team.  The time is coming that we’ll all need to understand the impact we have on the planet with accounting like clarity. So you might as well start now.