3 min read

Beyond Zero: A Sustainability Gamechanger

November 30, 2021

beyond zero logo
“If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” Ray Anderson, Founder of Interface.

Throughout the evolution of any great company, there are hallmark moments that define each new chapter. These experiences often serve as fuel for the company’s new trajectory and become a reference point for the team’s future work and ultimate impact. Our team experienced one of these catalyzing moments in mid-November during a screening of Beyond Zero that concluded with a live Q&A with the film’s writer and director, Nathan Havey.

Beyond Zero is a feature-length documentary that captures the journey of Ray Anderson, Founder of Interface, as he led his publicly-traded company to become a global leader in sustainability long before the rest of the world even joined the conversation. Following the visionary leadership of Anderson, the team at Interface was met with skepticism, investor fallout, expensive R&D, and many other roadblocks as they climbed the mountain of sustainability together. Havey’s unique storytelling talent brings the trials and the triumphs of the Interface team to life and inspires viewers to ask themselves the questions that Ray posed to his team “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”

A Shared Experience for 5

Our story started just 10 years ago when we launched an energy advisory firm that combined deep energy knowledge and expertise with an intentional focus on culture and technology to help others. And, as it turns out, we have spent much of the last decade working with clients throughout North America, big and small, to create and implement energy management plans that reduce and control costs while also helping clients to achieve their sustainability goals. We have been fortunate to advise many of the largest brands on renewable energy alternatives, combined heat and power options, resiliency planning, decarbonization initiatives, and more.

Over the last five years, we have become more intentional about delivering Whole Health Energy Plans and playing a proactive role in the energy transition for clients as they race to net-zero emissions. We have been so busy helping others and producing educational content that we often forgot to take a deep breath and remember the global impact of our mission. When we gathered for the viewing of Beyond Zero, our team participated in an experience that brought it all together. We were on the journey with Ray Anderson and the team at Interface while simultaneously feeling unified and validated about our relentless work to bring sustainable energy solutions to our clients. We felt refreshed and refueled to stay the course while also being challenged by Ray’s vision to reach beyond zero by becoming a restorative company and helping others to do the same.

Thank you, Nathan Havey, for producing a must-see documentary for all business leaders. You captured the heart of a courageous leader and the essence of an inspiring leadership team that helped Interface to make an everlasting impact. We believe that shared experiences are a hallmark of our culture, and you have provided an incredible moment to mark the beginning of our next chapter.

For more information about the film, please visit www.BeyondZeroFilm.com

Jeff Schiefelbein

Written by Jeff Schiefelbein

Jeff Schiefelbein is the Chief Culture Officer for 5 where he oversees sales, marketing and recruiting. Jeff has a proven track record of innovation and leadership through his involvement in company start-ups, technology development, personal coaching, and strategic management. Before 5, Jeff served as the Vice President of Sales at First Choice Power. Jeff has also been nationally recognized for the creation and implementation of CARPOOL at Texas A&M University, the nation’s most successful college safe-ride program to reduce drunk driving. For his work on CARPOOL, Jeff was featured on ABC’s Volunteers Across America and has won numerous awards, including the National Daily Point of Light Award and the Texas Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. He advises several nonprofits and serves as the President of the Board for The Highlands School in Irving, Texas. He is also a motivational speaker and the host of a monthly Catholic radio show.