Interview with Joel Carboni – Driving Sustainable Innovation

In this interview, Joel Carboni, defines sustainable innovation as a transformative approach that combines creativity with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. It's about rethinking processes and products to ensure they positively impact our planet and society. This form of innovation transcends mere compliance or corporate social responsibility, actively seeking opportunities for positive change through new methods, products, or business models that are environmentally sound, socially just, and economically viable.

Carboni emphasizes the importance of sustainable innovation in a world increasingly affected by climate change, with 53% of global projects impacted by extreme weather events exacerbated by environmental issues. He advocates for integrating sustainability into core business strategies, adopting sustainable project management practices, investing in green technologies, and fostering a culture of sustainability across all organizational levels.

Barriers to implementing sustainable innovation include lack of awareness, resistance to change, and initial costs. Overcoming these challenges requires education, transparent communication, and a strong leadership commitment to sustainability. Carboni highlights the positive response from organizations, with many in the early stages of embedding sustainability into their project management practices.

He also touches upon the concept of regeneration, a broader interpretation of sustainability that focuses on restoring what has been lost and maintaining future states. This approach underscores the interconnectedness between human activities and natural ecosystems, emphasizing our responsibility to work in harmony with nature.

Carboni's vision is one where innovation not only creates economic value but also regenerates biodiversity, enhances social equity, and heals the environment, leading to a more sustainable and resilient future. His work inspires hope for the next generation of leaders who will carry this vision forward.

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All interviews

These are the book contributors we interviewed to explore what leaders can do to drive and change their organizations through the lens of sustainability and innovation.

You can watch all interviews on the book playlist on Youtube.