Protecting the Planet: Henry Kravis and Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. Set the Standard

In the beginning, when Henry Kravis and his partner George Roberts launched Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) in the 1970’s with the support of the First Chicago Corporation, the company’s focus was in highly leveraged transactions. But moving on, aiming to make their portfolio companies and acquisitions have less of a negative ecological impact, they have founded a unique enterprise that has completely transformed the way businesses and environmental activists function. When Henry Kravis from KKR and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) got together last year environmental matters went mainstream.

Their objectives include encouraging businesses in avoiding environmental threats such as toxic chemicals as well as any lavish water consumption. Eco-efficiency (the phrase was initially popularized by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development WBCSD) comprises the framework for their mission, through applying techniques like improving fuel economy through vehicle fleet maintenance, maximum use of renewable resources and optimizing data centers for efficiency. Successful though it was the KKR and EDF did not grasp the scope of the advantages of the project until Ken Mehlman, the head of the program and global public affairs, reviewed the program when it had been in operation for a year.

Surpassing all expectations, Ken saw that this program not only cut down on environmental impact, but also increased the the net profit from all their businesses besides. These days, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co and Ken Mehlman have well-nigh every associated business engaged in eco-efficiency techniques. And, when you consider that the group has a 2009 portfolio valued at $86,000,000,000, you can be sure this wasn’t an easy accomplishment. KKR with the EDF in association with Ken Mehlman have also developed the Green Portfolio project. To illustrate, KKR linked up with the EDF’s Climate Corps Program an enterprise which teaches MBA interns how to encourage cost efficient, green techniques.

KKR and Ken Mehlman have made the effort to create systems which will be able to oversee resources. This type of data is significant as companies may easily measure their everyday activities and discover how they can improve while at the same time tracking their progress.

Henry Kravis, the KKR, and the Environmental Defense Fund are innovators when it comes environmentally friendly business practices. So, to summarize, the work of these organizations has made green business practice not only viable, but commercially desirable, and their revolutionary ideas are setting a new standard in today’s business community.