Cannon Discusses Sustainability's Importance to Businesses at National EH&S Conference

Speaking Sunday evening at an Environment, Health & Safety Management Institute conference in San Antonio, Texas, Quality and EH&S vice president Mary Anne Cannon told attendees that EH&S leaders have a new job to do in the 21st century – one that has evolved from establishing compliance to leading company policy aimed at changing cultures.

During her keynote address, Cannon told the group of EH&S leaders from various industries across the United States that in today's business world, organizations must include sustainability in their strategic plans.

"Sustainability issues matter a great deal in the 21st century," she said. "Our global markets are focused on them. Addressing these issues for future generations on a planet that is getting smaller by the day is quite simply the right thing to do." Additionally, research shows "employees at all levels are becoming far more knowledgeable about their companies' sustainability activities – and that sustainability is becoming increasingly important for attracting and retaining employees."

Over the course of her 25-year career, Cannon said she has seen the EH&S function evolve from one focused on safety compliance, to one where employees have become more involved in their company's EH&S management. She said today the function "has a seat at the table" at most companies, and helps shape strategy and make decisions that affect bottom line results.

Over the course of her 25-year career, Cannon said she has seen the EH&S function evolve from one focused on safety compliance, to one where employees have become more involved in their company's EH&S management. She said today the function "has a seat at the table" at most companies, and helps shape strategy and make decisions that affect bottom line results.

"It was this vision that shaped the way we do business today," Cannon said. "Across UTC, we apply a global standard aimed at eliminating adverse impacts in our products, in our manufacturing processes and in our supply chain. We provide a safe work environment and support lifelong learning for all employees. We support charitable giving and social causes in the communities where we do business."

Cannon discussed Pratt & Whitney's goal to become a sustainability leader through its 2025 sustainability goals; sustainable products like the PurePower® engine; and LEED-certified green facilities around the world. She said the company also holds its suppliers to the same standards through a code of conduct that includes resource conservation, ethics, labor guidelines and safe workplace requirements.

"At Pratt & Whitney, sustainability means integrating environmental and social issues into the business model," she said. "That's all part of our commitment to customers, employees and the communities where we live and work. In effect, we do well by doing good."

Click here to read the full text of Mary Anne Cannon's keynote address as prepared.