Modern businesses operate in very competitive markets. Today’s population is increasingly aware of wider social issues such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR is defined as "operating a business in a manner that meets or exceeds the ethical, legal, commercial and public expectations that society has of business." CSR is more than a collection of discrete practices or an occasional gesture. It is viewed as a comprehensive set of policies, practices and programs that are integrated throughout business operations, and decision-making processes. Because of this integrated approach, corporations cannot simply advance a message that conveys CSR. They must link behavior with message.

There is a growing requirement placed upon manufacturing and service companies to be able to demonstrate corporate responsibility to customers, legislators, employees, shareholders, investors and environmental groups. Products and services are beginning to be examined in the context of the larger systems in which they operate. The goal is to improve all parts of the system rather than one dimension at the possible expense of another.

Corporate sustainability practices can serve to optimize the overall performance of organizations by creating options, winning loyal customers, reducing costs, reducing risk and creating new markets and opportunities. Sustainable production processes use natural, human, financial, and technological resources in ways that allow present and future generations to live healthy and productive lives while maintaining the ecological systems that support all life.

A partnership alliance to support sustainable profits that enhance stakeholder and social values.

The founding "inaugural" CAP Partners, cover accounting, advertising, certification, communications, management, strategy, environmental management, new media, and technology industries. Below is a listing of the inaugural CAP Partners.

Businesses that are serious about becoming more sustainable often lack the tools to guide them in a meaningful way down the path. Similarly, non-government organization's (community and non-profits) and state and local governments need tools that help them develop criteria for the kinds of production they want to encourage.

The CAP Alliance components consist of the business framework, the tools, the marketing campaign and the partners. The "Framework" consists of five distinct but interdependent stakeholder communities. Diagrammed as five concentric circles, this "business ecosystem" consists of the core corporation (its mission, executives and shareholders), as well as the Workplace, Community, Marketplace, and Environment that support the company. Businesses can optimize their functions and drive profits by aligning and leveraging the interests of each sphere.

For more information or to receive a quote for a CAP Audit or CAP Workshop, call Russell Thornton at 713-826-7298 or you may email him at russell.thornton@dnv.com.