As the Olympics have finished, the spirit of competition and teamwork is still very much alive around the globe. Dedication, determination and resiliency are demonstrated at every turn, not unlike many businesses in today’s global marketplace that are struggling to compete and show their strength.

Within the last ten years there has been an increasing trend within business toembed sustainability initiatives into operations in an effort to gain both public approval and a competitive advantage. Individuals like Ray Anderson came along and showed us that there truly can be profit and compassion in the world of consumerism.

Today more and more non-profits are also emerging with a focus on the environment, entities like the David Suzuki Foundation that work with government, business and individuals to conserve and protect nature.

But what about non-profits that are not focused on the environment, such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada or the Canadian Red Cross? Although already viewed as ‘doing good’ for society, should they be expected to do their part for the environment as well?

Mindful of a world population now in excess of seven billion, it would only seem logical and ethical that every organization, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, share an obligation to do what it can to alleviate the likes of greenhouse gases or industrial waste that are playing havoc with the earth’s ability to balance and regulate our atmosphere.

Fundraising challenges, grant reductions, and limited staff are just a few of the hurdles faced as they strive for the finish line. And yet, this same dragging economy has some charities putting even more effort into making their operations environmentally friendly - to protect the planet and to save money.

Some are reducing waste in their operations and reducing their energy use. Others are taking more aggressive steps by undertaking “green” building projects. For many groups, these initiatives align with their social agendas and have the added benefit of creating good will with volunteers, grant makers and other donors.

One such organization is Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC). In 2009 it contracted Mindscape Innovations from Kitchener, Ontario to undertake research to develop a strategy document that HFH affiliates could use to determine their best approach to green building.

According to Terry Petkau, Director of Building Services for HFH, “the main focus of this strategy document was to capture the consistencies of all “Best in Class” green building programs across the country and then offer HFH affiliates with some suggestions as to how to implement these components into their build program.”

From there HFH Canada hoped affiliates would move quickly toward actual certification to confirm through third party testing that HFH was truly building green. In 2012 HFH Canada again contracted Mindscape Innovations to complete follow up research to update the Green Build Strategy and also offer some understanding of the benefits of third party testing and certification.

Petkau proudly points out that in 2009 approximately 50% of all HFH homes were built to a recognized green standard and approximately 50% of these homes were actually certified. “In 2012 it appears that up to 90% (approximately 200) will be constructed to a recognized green standard with about 75% of these homes (approximately 150) certified.”

With missions to contribute positively to the world, are other charitable organizations like HFH beginning to take approaches to become leaders and to go the extra mile?

Kathryn Cooper, President & Chief Learning Officer at the Sustainability Learning Centre in London, Ontario offers some insight.

“Non Profits are starting to embrace sustainability. Over the last few years organizations like Engineers Canada, the Electrical Safety Authority and the YMCA have been active. Organizations like Engineers Canada have created a national guideline for its membership to incorporate sustainability and the environment into their professional designation at the provincial level. Other organizations are interested in how to engage employees in sustainability and understanding their greenhouse gas footprint. ”

Ms. Cooper observes that every organization adopts sustainability for different reasons, with some social NGO’s focusing on social responsibility first. Others are environmental organizations, like the Kortright Centre that serves as a test site, demonstration site and a learning centre and focuses on eco-efficiencies (reductions in energy, water, waste and materials).

“A time will come when funders of NGOs will require sustainability programs, just as companies are now being asked for their ESG (environmental, social and governance declarations) as they file their annual reports.”

If businesses have caught on to the fact that customers are interested in sustainability as a general matter, it would seem reasonable that donors to non-profits should care about the same. Imagine the results when prospective donors interested in a specific cause, say helping underprivileged children, learn that an organization also cares about the environment and the impact it has upon those children.

Perhaps going green is like going for gold.