The creation of a sustainability department almost always sparks an overwhelmingly positive response from employees. The reality is that workers are often ahead of the game when it comes to environmental concern -- they've been waiting for their employers to embrace sustainability and green business and are relieved to finally see concrete steps taken in that direction.

However, even though most are excited to see their company embracing sustainability, few know what sustainability is, what this department does or -- most importantly -- how to get involved. The following is a primer on sustainability and sustainability departments, enabling employees to inform themselves and their departments on how they can best contribute to their company's sustainable business future.

Read more from Daniel Winokur here.