Sole Technology CEO (Etnies, Es, Emerica, Altamont, Thirty Two) & 11th Hour Executive Producer, Pierre André Senizergues is raising the level of awareness on climate change

In an excerpt from our upcoming issue, Street-wear Editor Ace Six was in contact with Sole Technology CEO Pierre André Senizergues. Aside from being a certified O.G. Champion skater and astute businessman, the man invested his money in the Leonardo DiCaprio narrated film on the state of the environment.

How satisfied are you with the reach of the 11th hour? Do you feel like you’ve raised the level of awareness on climate change?

As far as I am concerned, the 11th hour is more than just a documentary, it is a movement to make positive changes in the environment. This film has helped raise awareness on issues of deforestation, water conservation and very importantly- over consumption. With the DVD coming out in April, it will be used as a tool to educate and keep the movement going. To learn more about this film and help in the effort to make a positive change, visit http://www.11thhouraction.com/

2. Has implementing your sustainability strategy had an impact on your profit margins, either positive or negative? And if negative, is that a price worth paying for reducing the size of your company’s eco-footprint?

Implementing eco-friendly practices into my business is something that I am very passionate about. For me it has all been positive whether it is profitable or not, because the reasons behind becoming sustainable go beyond profit margins. For example, installing our solar panels was very costly and I probably won’t see a return on them for several years, but it was the right thing to do so I put them in. Here at etnies, we have always prided ourselves as a forward thinking company. Before going “green” was cool, we were on board with making these changes because we felt a responsibility to give back.

As individuals, what essential but simple changes can we make to help our planet?

Each person can make small changes to reduce their impact on the environment including recycling, driving an electric or hybrid vehicle and using energy efficient appliances. The most important thing is awareness, once individuals are aware of their actions I think they will take more responsibility to make improvements.