Sustainable Growth Coalition

Impact

Transitioning to a just, circular economy.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Protecting resources.
Improving sustainability resources for suppliers.
Incorporating environmental justice.

Region

Minnesota-based coalition with global impact

Timeline

2016 - present

Audience

ESG executives and professionals

Topics

The Sustainable Growth Coalition is uncovering business growth opportunities, driving innovation, and promoting thriving communities and regions.

The Sustainable Growth Coalition is a multi-sector partnership of businesses with a Minnesota footprint harnessing their expertise to equitably advance the the circular economy, where all energy is renewable, waste is eliminated, and natural, social, and human resources are protected and preserved. Individually, each organization is committed to sustainability, and recognizes that together they can have a larger societal impact on their operations, industries, environment, and community.

Read our new strategic vision and framework →

A Bit More About Us

Environmental Initiative convenes and provides staff support for the Sustainable Growth Coalition. The Sustainable Growth Coalition meets quarterly and members:

Participate in one of two project teams:
- Environmental justice key performance indicators: Members are working to place a quantitative value on environmental justice performance and create a consistent measurement system for businesses to use.
- Supplier sustainability support: Members are exploring ways to assist their suppliers and other smaller businesses that are starting work on sustainability.
Co-develop initiatives and projects to solve environmental challenges in business.
Participate in incubation conversations to connect with fellow members and create work that moves beyond the Coalition.
Lead best practices Learning Labs highlighting sustainability successes and barriers.

Learn more about the Coalition’s 2023 accomplishments →

Steering Committee

Hugh Cherne, Best Buy
Alissa Dienhart Lawler, Stantec
Jeff Standish, Geosyntec Consultants
Kali Judd, GREATER MSP

2023 Meeting Photos

A group of SGC members smile for a photo in the snow at St. Anthony Falls Lab in early March of 2023.

Coalition members, led by Petrina Rhines of Birch Group, examine the exterior of Pillsbury Castle during a deconstruction tour in September 2023.

SGC members talk freely during a picnic at the Environmental Initiative office in August 2023.

Being a member of the Sustainable Growth Coalition affords us a broader perspective on the latest issues and solutions of the circular economy, which allows us to accelerate becoming a truly circular company.

Tennant Company

Join us as a member

Leading Minnesota businesses and organizations are invited to submit a membership application for review and consideration. Additional information about the Sustainable Growth Coalition is available in the charter and executive summary.  

Submit an application

Recent Blog Posts

Sustainable Growth Coalition hosts deconstruction tour and embodied carbon learning lab

A recent study revealed that embodied carbon – the emissions generated from the raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction and disposal of building materials – accounts for roughly 11% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Practitioners in the building industry are…

Rethinking campus sustainability: A panel discussion recap

The use of offices and corporate campuses has changed considerably over the past three years. How are sustainability programs adapting? Allison Egan, HealthPartners; Marc Olson, Allianz Life; and Fred Rozumalski, Barr Engineering share their perspective and experiences.