What sustainability efforts could learn from Angry Birds

Here’s how very different types of companies apply a mix of these strategies to improve their bottom line and the environment.

Practically Green, a digital community, helps organizations become greener by using technology and social networking to educate, motivate and reward employees for making green changes to their work and home life. It gives points for more than 400 different green behaviors, from commuting by bike to buying local produce to switching to e-bills.

"Gamification encourages more lasting behavior change than traditional communications and training efforts because it is simple, personal and relevant, trackable, and shareable," said Susan Hunt Stevens, founder and CEO of Practically Green.

SAP, the German software giant, has a number of green games. One is a carpooling game called TwoGo, aimed at making carpooling easy and socially cool. Bike at Work lets employees earn points, get feedback, give useful tips to their friends, see calories burned and other fun, motivational stuff.

Deloitte, the consulting firm, has developed a Business Simulation Game that enables players to experiment with sustainable initiatives for their client companies in a safe game setting. The game allows players make mistakes and try again without losing face. This direct experience accelerates the learning about, and adoption of, sustainability strategies.

Through events like the upcoming Gamification Summit or Coursera’s free online Gamification course offered by Wharton, we’re betting that more companies follow the lead of these pioneers.

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What sustainability efforts could learn from Angry Birds

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