Winner: Cox Enterprises
Campaign: Cox Conserves
The Cox Conserves program was born out of Cox Enterprises' desire to develop an environmental program that would reduce its energy consumption by 20% during the next 10
years, meaning Cox would have to save energy in every possible way. Its prime aims were to build awareness of the campaign among employees while identifying Cox Conserves
ambassadors throughout the company's 175 business locations.
Curbing Consumption
To jump-start this effort, Cox execs conducted research to determine the environmental issues most relevant to their industry. The
findings helped the team develop new methods of conservation.
Cox kicked off the program at its Atlanta headquarters on April 17, 2007 (the week of Earth Day), with an event that featured remarks from Cox Chairman and CEO Jim Kennedy
and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Highlights were an announcement of Cox's $5 million donation to the Atlanta BeltLine and its enhanced conservation program.
Conservation Camaraderie
To gain support for the program and engage their business locations nationwide, Cox produced and e-mailed a video of Kennedy championing it. Employees also received a Cox
Conserves resource kit that contained branded materials such as baseball caps, posters and brochures. Also included were suggestion tear-off pads to solicit ideas from
employees.
More than 500 employees turned out for the kick-off event. There has been much employee buzz about the program and as of last July, 136 Cox Conserves ambassadors have
promoted conservation measures at their offices.