Liz Minne: A Business Case for Sustainability
Liz Minne heads global sustainability strategy for Interface Inc., a flooring solutions company.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Shaping Interface’s global commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, as well as its mission of working to reverse global warming. This includes collaborating with stakeholders, fostering partnerships that drive positive change and impact sustainability, and remaining at the forefront of emerging sustainability trends to ensure Interface remains a pioneer in environmental responsibility.
EXPERIENCE: Director, global sustainability, Interface; environmental program manager, Thyssenkrupp Elevator; project manager, EPD team leader and LEED senior reviewer, Epsten Group; sustainability analyst, Georgia Institute of Technology; computational chemistry intern, NIST.
EDUCATION: PhD and M.S., environmental engineering; B.S., polymer and fiber engineering, all earned at Georgia Institute of Technology.
At the start of my career, I was very focused on science and engineering. I’ve since shifted to become more focused on management and strategy. Yet I think it’s important and useful to be able to speak the language and understand the data and technical details.
I lead Interface’s department focused on the technical data and strategy sides of our sustainability mission. We set targets and figure out the strategy that will get us there. Then, we work with the procurement teams to identify areas where we can make an impact.
When we started working with our suppliers, most weren’t familiar with the words ‘lifecycle assessment.’ We had to figure out the resources that would help them understand the data and language and provide direction on the information we needed. We’d come prepared with research on their goals and explore greater alignment to help open up the conversations.
Depending on how advanced the supplier is with carbon and greenhouse gas inventories, lifecycle assessment, the circular economy, and other environmental measures, my team and I offer expertise that can help them advance their journey or look for areas of collaboration.
A lot of our initial work has been to get better data. That means engaging with our suppliers, so they can get real measurements on the materials they’re providing. It’s also engaging with them about the ways they can affect their own environmental impact.
We’ve set aggressive, science-based targets to reduce our overall environmental impact by 50% for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030. Scope 3 emissions, or those from purchased goods and services, comprise our largest single category and is linked closely to our suppliers. This is a hugely ambitious goal and will take everybody on the team to get there.
I’m excited about the direction that Interface is moving. Over the past 30 years, we have transformed our products, factories, and supply chain to lower our carbon impact.
We even developed the first-ever carpet tile styles that are carbon negative. That is, through its creation, it removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits.
Recently, Interface announced a big strategic change. We had been investing in carbon offsets to bring down our footprint. Now, we’re focused on direct carbon reductions and storage—not offsets—to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.
Harnessing An Interest in the Environment
In high school, I was interested in the environment, but didn’t know how to harness my interest in what was still a developing field. I knew I wanted to do something with science and math, so I started studying polymer and fiber engineering at Georgia Tech.
During a study abroad program in Europe, I experienced what Interface’s founder calls ‘a spear in the chest’ moment when taking a course on sustainable engineering. I realized this could be a profession. Eventually, I earned a PhD in environmental engineering. I’m proud of the work I did to complete my doctorate.
It was my dream to end up at Interface, a business-case example of how you can do sustainability. It’s an inspiring place to work.n
Liz Minne Answers the Big Questions
1. How would you describe your job to a five-year-old?
We’re on a ship, we have a destination, and we need to figure out how to get there. My job is to ask for and accept the insight of everyone who’s figuring out how we navigate the course while also watching for obstacles and opportunities.
2. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. Both professionally and personally, I love to explore the world and experience other cultures. Especially with colleagues, I think it’s great to have the opportunity to meet in person.
But my teleportation superpower couldn’t use resources poorly. I’d think about the environment, too.
3. What’s your hidden talent?
It’s less hidden since the pandemic, but mixology. I started home bartending and have made hundreds of unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail recipes. I’ve had a lot of fun making cocktails for friends and family.