As HIP analyzes and investigates what is really happening in the world of Human Impact + Profit, we have uncovered lots HIP companies and HIP products. To learn more:
DOWNLOAD an overview of the first HIP 21 analysis as published in Fast Company, April 2007
VIEW the summary scores from HIP’s Big Oil analysis, as published in Fast Company, February 2008
And here are a few of our favorite companies and products:
HIP COMPANIES
Herman Miller
Why it’s HIP: Gives new meaning to sustainable innovation
Who knew sitting around could actually be good for the environment? Herman Miller has found a way - by making chairs with the environment in mind from the prototypes to delivery systems to the trash.
In 1989, Herman Miller formed the Environmental Quality Action Team was formed as a cross-functional steering committee that set corporate environmental priorities and improvement goals (yes - in the 1980’s!). Almost 20 years later, Herman Miller has set some lofty goals to achieve by 2020 including a 100% reduction in air emissions, water consumption, hazardous waste and solid waste in landfills. To name a few of their initiatives to help them achieve these goals, Herman Miller builds LEED gold certified buildings, engineers furniture that is 94% recyclable, uses reusable blankets in place of bubble wrap and cardboard boxes for shipping.
So next time you’re thinking of a way to do your part, make sure you’re sitting in a Herman Miller chair.
Kimpton Hotels
Why it’s HIP: Focus on people
Kimpton is a San Francisco-based company known for its collection of stylish independent lifestyle hotels. But if you take a peak under the hood, you’ll find they do so much more for their guests. Most notably they have a very strong commitment to women - and the impact is obvious from the top down. They offer packages and rooms for women, spas, complimentary wine hours (women only!), and freebees so you don’t have to waste space packing. Kimpton has also partnered with Dress for Success, a non-profit helping underprivileged women by providing processional attire and a network of support, to help raise clothes, funds and support.
Having earned a 100% corporate equality index from the Human Rights Campaign, Kimpton must be doing something right. Honoring diversity among their guests as well as their staff, Kimpton takes special care to make sure every detail is accounted for. From special LGBT packages to wedding receptions, Kimpton has stayed ahead of the game by anticipating what changing needs of their clientele are. Furthermore, for the last 20 year Kimpton has supported HIV education and in 2006 raised $95,000 for local HIV charities.
Kimpton Hotels takes hospitality to a new level with their focus by staying ahead of the market for traditionally underserved demographics.
Accor
Why it’s HIP: True dedication to the environment
After surveying the hotel industry we found one international heavy hitter that has a corporate wide policy on the environment. Since 1994, Accor has put environmental awareness as a key component in its corporate structure. In the past ten years, this commitment has grown into a full-blown department with over 50 international representatives. Recently Accor launched the Environment Chapter - the corporate watchdog that ensures all of its hotels participate in the eight areas of impact (e.g. ozone layer, energy, water, and biodiversity). Using sixty-five actions across these impact areas, hotels are able to define their accomplishments and measure their progress. While they have stopped short of mandating their hotels participation in all 65 actions, they have created the essential first step of defining success for each of the hotels - and given them a tool to use to move forward.
But don’t be fooled, Accor doesn’t shirk on its other corporate responsibilities either. They are dedicated to their staff providing them with training, mobility and equal compensation among men and women. Furthermore they are committed to worthy cause such as eliminating children in sexual tourism, sustainable and healthy food and the fight against AIDS.
If you’re ever traveling internationally, try an Accor hotel. Our guess - you won’t be disappointed.
HIP PRODUCTS
Virgin Money
Why it’s HIP: A non-traditional and impressive take on traditional financial services
Richard Branson, CEO, seems to be creating innovative opportunities for his Virgin brand left and right. Virgin Money is transforming the accessibility of the financial world. Now offered in four countries (UK, Australia, South Africa and the US), Virgin Money has developed a unique twist on “banking.”
In the UK, Virgin Money customers have the flexibility to choose from all the traditional options a bank offers (loans, mortgages, credit cards) in addition to a few gems not normally in the market. They provide pensions to ALL - employed, unemployed(!) and even kids. Partnering with specialists in the UK, they have launched a climate change fund that offers the flexibility to select any industry leader driving climate change to invest in. And, if that’s not enough, you can use Virgin Money to have your pet insured (along with your home, car, life and vacation!). In the US, Virgin Money allows friends and family to mix with money, by serving as a third party to determine terms, interest rates, and repayment periods.
With products like these, Virgin Money certainly is giving traditional banks a run for their money.
Barclays Breathe Credit Card
Why it’s HIP: Offers the “greenest” credit card we’ve seen
While there are many credit cards on the market with compelling offers for customer seeking to do good while spending plastic, Barclays Breathe tops them all. Donating 50% of its net profits to projects that tackle climate change is no small change - and Barclays has taken it one step further to launch a recycling program for your old cards and to give customers environmentally friendly discounts on products such as home insulation, bikes, gardening goods, and organics. And, they have promised to donate a minimum of £1million after taxes in the first year. Downside: its offered in the UK only - a shame for the rest of the world.