The History of Ken Mehlman of Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co and the Environmental Defense Fund
Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) was launched in 1976 and in those days the firm’s main business was in ‘bootstrap’ buyouts. Recently they have assembled an unusual green enterprise that focuses not alone on how profitable a business is, but in addition on the environmental impact of the companies they acquire. When Henry Kravis from KKR and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) merged just a year ago green matters all of a sudden turned into a mainstream concept. Issues like toxic waste and preposterous water consumption rank high on their agenda.
Eco-efficiency (a phrase initially coined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development) has informed the framework for their mission, by utilizing environmentally sustainable techniques such as increasing the durability of products, recycling programs and reducing the waste of resources. Although the project was an enormous success, no-one realized how extensive the effects truly were until Ken Mehlman, the head of the Green Portfolio Project and global public affairs, carried out the review of the first twelve months.
Much to everybody’s surprise, Ken saw that this program not only decreased the impact on the environment, but was increasing the profitability of all their business organizations besides. Almost all of the firms owned by Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co and Ken Mehlman today are actively participating in eco-efficiency techniques. Still, when you consider that the group has a 2009 portfolio estimated at $86,000,000,000, you may be sure this was no easy see what an enormous accomplishment this is.
The original Green Portfolio project has developed far beyond its initial purpose and now encompasses new initiatives. To illustrate, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co joined the EDF’s Climate Corps Program that instructs interns studying for an MBA how to encourage cost-efficient, ecologically friendly principles. In addition, Ken Mehlman has cooperated closely with Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co to develop a series of systems which all sorts of business organizations can employ to evaluate resources. With this information available, any business may easily assess their everyday processes and discover where any issues may be resolved while at the same time seeing their progress.
Henry Kravis, the KKR, and the Environmental Defense Fund are true pioneers in the business community. Their innovative concepts have simplified the process for firms in every industry and established that running a profitable business need not entail the hefty price of damaging the environment.
