On Marks and Spencer, Corporate Sustainability, and Plan B

We came across an interesting project by Marks & Spencer, referred to as Plan A.

In their own words, they describe it as

We launched Plan A in January 2007, setting out 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. We've now extended Plan A to 180 commitments to achieve by 2015, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world's most sustainable major retailer.
Through Plan A we are working with our customers and our suppliers to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, and help our customers to lead healthier lifestyles. Explore our Plan A commitments for 2010 - 2015. 

We're doing this because it's what you want us to do. It's also the right thing to do. 

We're calling it Plan A because we believe it's now the only way to do business. 

There is no Plan B.

We feel that such initiatives are important. Sustainability is only going to truly become meaningful with firms when they build it into their brands -- what people expect of them, what they're known for delivering. It needs to go beyond Corporate Social Responsibility and become a key part of the Corporation itself. We look forward to more firms reengineering themselves to achieve this.