There are thousands of "groups" and "networks" on LinkedIn ranging from human resources to sustainability. At The Green Challenges we use LinkedIn groups as an opportunity to connect directly with a diverse group of professionals soliciting comments, feedback and insights into many aspects of organizational sustainability. In our case, LinkedIn users have proven themselves as consistently engaged and often provide our team with the greatest number of comments and insights on our posts, initiatives and programs. Where traditional marketing and outreach falls through the cracks, LinkedIn has permitted our team to reach thousands of engaged professionals in a short period of time.

We would like to share with you the groups/networks that have had the greatest impact on our day-to-day communication of our objectives; Education, Transparency and Outreach. These groups assist us in our core objective by providing a large net with which we can cast our various levels of outreach.

Here is our Top 15 "Sustainability" Networks on LinkedIn including a brief description provided by each group:

1. Greenbiz.com -- Green Business Professionals
   http://bit.ly/16Q2DF
   14,448 Members
   The group for green-minded professionals interested in aligning environmental responsibility with business success. Discuss key issues and get answers to pressing questions from thousands of colleagues.
2. Justmeans - Green, CSR, Good Work, Sustainability and Social Enterprise News and Updates
   http://bit.ly/6SZJQ
   1,463 Members
   This group is for executives and thought leaders interested in good work, social responsibility, sustainability, social enterprise, clean technology, and all things green. It features news, jobs, videos, and other updates from the growing Justmeans community.
3. Green
   http://bit.ly/owUOE
   53,890 Members
   Green is for those who want to share ideas on environment, climate change, renewable energy, clean tech, sustainability, CSR and Green issues.
4. Think Green
   http://bit.ly/jlhjx
   4,878 Members
   Please join THiNK GREEN and show your support for the environment and a sustainable future. Making informed decisions can lead to change.
5. Sustainability Working Group
   http://bit.ly/14BwSq
   3,226 Members
   Opening doors globally to discussion about, networking around, business development in, and promoting investment into, sustainable and sustainability featured business.
6. Sustainable Brands
   http://bit.ly/WeQRg
   1,377 Members
   Join brand leaders, product designers, and sustainability experts. Discuss market trends and proven case studies from innovative companies creating profitable change and brand value with sustainability initiatives.
7. Sustainability Professionals
   http://bit.ly/4OJmQ
   13,108 Members
   This is a group of environmental sustainability professionals (energy, water, waste, recycling, green building, etc.) to help us network and communicate.
8. Corporate Social Responsibility
   http://bit.ly/2jTeu
   2,965 Members
   This is a group to exchange Corporate Social Responsibility practices and visions.
9. Green & Sustainability Innovators & Innovation Network
   http://bit.ly/Wp4t1
   8,811 Members
   Our innovative group includes innovation leaders who help develop sustainable green products, services, meetings, events and experiences.
10. The-Green-Group.com
    http://bit.ly/14zxr9
    7,313 Members
    The-Green-Group.com serves as a resource portal for green professionals. Green Group members are involved with companies and/or organizations that promote recycling, healthy living, renewable energy, energy conservation, industrial hemp, organic products, and other green initiatives.
11. LEED Accredited Professional
    http://bit.ly/bi4a0
    7,575 Members
    (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process.
12. United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
    http://bit.ly/1TQF3m
    5,010 Members
    Current members of the United States Green Building Council.
13. CSRwire, The Corporate Social Responsibility Newswire
    http://bit.ly/545jI
    611 Members
    CSRwire is the world’s number one resource for corporate social responsibility news as well as the hub for an influential community that has realized the value and necessity of Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability.
14. Konstructr
    http://bit.ly/kbbv0
    71 Members
    The Konstructr Group on LinkedIn aims to help bring transparency in the world of construction.

As a result of this increased dialogue, The Green Challenges team created a networking group, "The Green Challenges Network" (#15) found here, http://bit.ly/yRO9Y and encourage anyone interested in corporate sustainability and/or communication of sustainability to join our discussion.

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Not a LinkedIn member? To join LinkedIn, visit http://www.linkedin.com/

Connect with Chris Davis, our Chief Sustainability Officer on LinkedIn here; http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismdavis