College of Business to host sustainability event
International businessman to present on importance of environmental focus in work
Ashley Hofer
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Campus News
UW-Eau Claire has become a major advocate for sustainability, and now the College of Business is providing students and the community with a chance to learn about a new perspective concerning sustainability and business.
European businessman Gunnar Andréen will give a presentation on sustainability in business from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. today in Schofield Auditorium. The event is titled "Necessity, Opportunity, Profit: A Winning Combination for Environmental Sustainability in Business," and admission is free.
Andréen, a former executive of two prominent European businesses, Sophus Berendsen AS and Tvattman AB, said he is excited about the future possibilities for sustainability in
business.
"I am very enthusiastic about what can be done," Andréen said. "I'm very glad I have had an opportunity to be a part of what I would say is a successful story for our company."
Andréen said his interest in sustainability for businesses began when he worked for Tvattman AB. He said he noticed little things that could be improved upon. Also, at this time, Andréen said he learned about a movement developing in Sweden called The Natural Step, which outlined goals, methods and scientific reasons for supporting sustainability.
After attending a conference for The Natural Step, Andréen said he was sold on the idea.
"I said 'Let's go,' " he said. "There is a message in this."
Andréen has since formed his own consulting firm, G. Andréen AB, to help other businesses employ techniques to improve sustainability. One such company is Eau Claire-based Huebsch Services. Jim Vaudreuil, president of Huebsch, said he was astounded when he first learned about Andréen and his sustainability efforts.
"I was just blown away," Vaudreuil said.
Vaudreuil said that making some of the changes suggested by Andréen has helped Huebsch grow as a company. However, Vaudreuil said sustainability hasn't always been easy to accept.
European businessman Gunnar Andréen will give a presentation on sustainability in business from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. today in Schofield Auditorium. The event is titled "Necessity, Opportunity, Profit: A Winning Combination for Environmental Sustainability in Business," and admission is free.
Andréen, a former executive of two prominent European businesses, Sophus Berendsen AS and Tvattman AB, said he is excited about the future possibilities for sustainability in
business.
"I am very enthusiastic about what can be done," Andréen said. "I'm very glad I have had an opportunity to be a part of what I would say is a successful story for our company."
Andréen said his interest in sustainability for businesses began when he worked for Tvattman AB. He said he noticed little things that could be improved upon. Also, at this time, Andréen said he learned about a movement developing in Sweden called The Natural Step, which outlined goals, methods and scientific reasons for supporting sustainability.
After attending a conference for The Natural Step, Andréen said he was sold on the idea.
"I said 'Let's go,' " he said. "There is a message in this."
Andréen has since formed his own consulting firm, G. Andréen AB, to help other businesses employ techniques to improve sustainability. One such company is Eau Claire-based Huebsch Services. Jim Vaudreuil, president of Huebsch, said he was astounded when he first learned about Andréen and his sustainability efforts.
"I was just blown away," Vaudreuil said.
Vaudreuil said that making some of the changes suggested by Andréen has helped Huebsch grow as a company. However, Vaudreuil said sustainability hasn't always been easy to accept.
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