Learn What Works From Business Partners

LexisNexis is a business that most law offices and many other public agencies rely on as a primary vendor of on-line information services. That sounds pretty green, right? So what else might I learn from LexisNexis about doing business in an environmentally friendly way? The answer may surprise you. When doing business with a large company like LexisNexis, there is a unique opportunity to increase the value of that relationship to your greening endeavors. The first step is to do some homework to get to know your business partners better. I’ve learned that their websites can teach you plenty. I started with the basics and headed to the About tab on the LexisNexis website. Here’s what LexisNexis has to say: 

“LexisNexis^® is a leading global provider of content-enabled workflow solutions designed specifically for professionals in the legal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement, accounting, and academic markets. LexisNexis originally pioneered online information with its Lexis^® and Nexis^® services. A member of Reed Elsevier, LexisNexis serves customers in more than 100 countries with more than 15,000 employees worldwide.”

I learned a couple things I didn’t know before and that increased my curiosity to see what steps LexisNexis may have taken to integrate sustainability into their business practices. I figured that a successful global enterprise would have more than a few accomplishments and practices I could import into our greening program. I wasn’t disappointed. LexisNexis has an Environment tab under Corporate Responsibility: http://www.lexisnexis.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/environment/.

I read their statement about their commitment to environmental improvements throughout the company and took note of the link to the LexisNexis Environmental Law and Climate Change Center which is a great resource for its clients who need to stay abreast of business risks related to climate change, reporting and disclosure laws and regulations, and current issues and trends. 

This background research was a real asset when I subsequently had a conversation with a LexisNexis representative. One recent green step the company took was to eliminate the printing and mailing of paychecks. “ iPay” was launched for 95% of LexisNexis US employees in 2009 saving $150,000 and reducing the environmental impact of paper and postage. The new system provides better protection for personal information, offers a history of employees’ pay, and links to other useful tools such as tax packages. 

I have given LexisNexis fair warning that I will copycat any internal green business practice that has application in my department.  I want to know more about their Alternate Work Solutions Program that garnered them recognition from the EPA and Department of Transportation as one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters”. Finally, we are exploring how our Green Office-DOJ effort might collaborate with LexisNexis for an Earth Day event under their LexisNexis Cares program which sponsors community service projects. 

All of this for 30 minutes of research. The moral of this story is to include your business partners and vendors in your greening efforts. Not only is there a lot to learn from the private sector, but you might open some doors to expanding your relationship in ways that can bring your greening program greater success.