A strong indication that sustainability is being seriously considered by corporations is the growth of director level jobs focused on environmental impact. Companies such as privately-held Cadence Network (which hired former Dow Chemical executive George Kehler), along with public companies Google, DuPont, and mining company Gammon Gold (to name just a few) have added the "Director of Sustainability" position.

This is significant because public companies operate on behalf of shareholders, and for years many have operated to maximize annual profits with minimal concern for the long term impact, which is the focus of sustainability. Certainly hiring a Director of Sustainability has its immediate PR benefits, but it also requires getting the board of directors to sign off, which can be a difficult task.

Institutions of education, such as Yale and New York City's public schools (which is paying a reported $123K per year) to its sustainability guru) that are not known to throw money around, are also in on board as well.

If you were to go back 10, 20, or 50 years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that sustainability would become a pivotal issue for public corporations. Thankfully companies are realizing that implementing sustainable policies can enhance instead of hinder profitability and enrich relations with the workforce and the community. Some companies have yet to comprehend this, but it is doubtful they can sustain their current thinking because of attention from the media and public pressure.