Top Green Pioneers

The green consumer movement may be a recognised industry today, but there was a time when green issues, like climate change, were largely overlooked. Many corporations did not have the foresight to consider the damage they were having on the environment, and those that did, struggled to implement green policies as a business imperative. This is where our green pioneers come in; experts like John Elkington and Joel Makower helped lead the way. When Elkington's book, The Green Consumer Guide, was released in the UK, it became a bestseller and Makower was asked to write the U.S. edition, which had a similar impact.

Jeffrey Swartz is renowned for his pioneering attitude to environmental concerns and corporate social responsibility, proving that green policies and profit go hand in hand. Meanwhile, Dan Reicher's current work for Google.org focuses on what could very well be the answer to climate change and the motor industry - electric vehicles. In the UK, Kate Hampton's work in government, consulting, finance and the NGO sector has seen her raise the ambition level amongst stakeholders. Exec Digital has labelled her "The Future", but in truth, all these green pioneers have the potential to shape the future of the

Joel Makower - The Guru

Career: 20 years as a writer, speaker and strategist on corporate environmental practices, clean technology and green marketing. Joel is the co-founder of Greener World Media, and the author of over 12 books. He has worked with Hewlett Packard, Gap, Levi Strauss, Procter & Gamble and Nike, amongst others, advising on environmental strategy.

On his inspiration: "I've been inspired by dozens of people - John Elkington for creating the vision of green consumers and green society. I've been equally inspired by small business people and executives of large corporations who have, on their own or for some business or personal reason, found the environment to be a compelling opportunity to be innovative and creative."

On the future: Makower believes we're at the start of a green revolution in business: "It involves a mash-up (if you will) of energy technology, information technology, building technology and transportation technology

Dan Reicher - The Trailblazer

Career: An environmental advocate, Reicher's current role is Director of Climate and Energy Initiatives for Google.org. He is co-founder of New Energy Capital Corp and previously served in the Clinton administration.

Current projects: Involved in the launch of Google.org's plug-in hybrid vehicles project. As the electric motor industry looks to capitalise on growing interest and the collapse of GM, Reicher's influence is likely to be significant.

Kate Hampton - The Future

Career: Named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader 2008, Kate joined the Children's Investment Fund Foundation in March this year as Director of the Special Initiative on Climate Change. Previously, Kate was Head of the Climate Change Campaign for Friends of the Earth International and a convenor of the Green Globe Network.

Current projects: "I'm focused on increasing the scale and effectiveness of advocacy projects through strategic philanthropy. The need for transformative policy change is compelling and urgent but, given the vested interests involved, working on climate change is as frustrating as it is fulfilling," says Kate.

John Elkington - The Dean

Career: John founded the think tank SustainAbility in 1987 and is currently a founding partner and Director of Volans Ventures. He has written books on corporate responsibility and its related subjects and in 2008 received the Fast Company Social Capitalist Award. John coined the phrase "Triple bottom line", now recognised as a framework for measuring business performance.

Current projects: Volans recently received a three year, $1 million grant from The Skoll Foundation to continue its social entrepreneurship work.

Jeffrey Swartz - The Entrepreneur

Career: Swartz has been CEO of Timberland since 1998, when he took over the company from his father Sidney Swartz. Although his background is in the retail industry, Swartz has established himself as a prominent figure when it comes to corporate social responsibility.

Current projects: Alongside encouraging his employees to work within communities to bring about change, Swartz is also a great supporter of Earth Day in the US. In 2007, Timberland helped with over 170 projects and contributed 9,000 volunteers to the cause.