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For many a consumer or corporate, going green is one of the most critical decisions we can consider to make a positive impact on the environment.
For consumers, it can be a bit more than just a lifestyle change. It could be taking steps that can positively impact the environment when such steps become a movement. This can include going vegetarian and recycling goods we use to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Consumers and individuals can opt for using public transportation or carpooling whenever possible to reduce fuel consumption. Alternatives to plastic bags such as reusable containers. Taking shorter showers or using dishwashers and washing machines on a full load are other ways where a consumer can contribute to the sustainability journey.
For a corporate, there is a bigger picture to be viewed. one that includes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Going green needs corporations to consider all the 3 primary pillars of ESG so as not to miss out on the opportunity to create lasting, sustainable change for our planet.
When companies quantify their carbon emissions and compensate for them through carbon offsetting programs, they become carbon neutral. In addition to avoidance and reduction, carbon offsets are an essential part of a comprehensive climate strategy.
Telecommuting – Working from home when possible, reduces the amount of energy used for commuting as well as office running requirements.
Going paperless – Switching to digital storage and digital communication processes.
Renewable energy options - Solar panels or wind-powered energy solutions for large office complexes
Buying green - Source sustainable items such as recycled paper, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and energy-efficient appliances for your workplace.
Disposables - Reusable cups and dishes in the office kitchen and install water-saving fixtures in the bathrooms.
Efficient lighting – Switching to LED lighting solutions saves energy and cash for the organization
Climate science reveals that, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C, there needs to be a sharp and urgent focus on decarbonization. However, permanent carbon removals will also be required in the longer term to offset the impact of possible emissions that cannot be avoided. Many companies have already started the journey.
Google has pledged to decarbonize its electrical supply and operate on carbon-free energy seven days a week by 2030. The same year will also witness the Apple business becoming completely carbon neutral. By 2025, Microsoft will have eliminated all carbon it has emitted directly or through energy usage since 1975.
Samsung Electronics has joined RE100, a global initiative dedicated to pursuing 100 percent renewable energy. Having lowered emissions per vehicle produced by more than 70% since 2006, the BMW Group now aims to reduce its emissions by an additional 80% from 2019 levels by 2030. Wal-Mart wants to eliminate one billion metric tons of emissions from its supply chain by the same year.
By spurring the production and consumption cycle, the corporate world across the globe has an enormous impact on our planet. The industry is often blamed for the creation of an environmental crisis. While businesses often are cast as culprits in the environmental crisis, they can also steer the path in driving effective solutions. Forging the path to a low-carbon, the circular economy now needs to be at the center of boardroom discussions today.
For decades, the consideration for a successful business has focused on profitability and growth. The last two years have showcased the need for additional parameters and one of them is sustainability.
Increasingly, companies across sectors and geographies are focusing the lens on sustainability at the top of the corporate agenda. This makes sense as a sustainable yet resilient organization is good for the communities and markets they serve. More importantly, it has an impact on the environment but also accelerates overall competitive performance.
Senior management needs to play a far greater role in pushing a circular economy much more than just managing top and bottom lines. While these benchmarks are needed to satisfy investors and stakeholders, the green line is now of equal importance.
Leading global bodies such as the World Economic Forum are pushing the medal on a circular economy. Organizations need to openly disclose sustainability parameters and indices on how a reduction of the carbon footprint can be made accountable down to the product category level.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guideline is also a popular framework for promoting sustainability. Holistic steering of an organization can result in better outcomes that straddle across financial, social, and environmental benchmarks.
The SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wild Fund for Nature. It drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
The world is transitioning to a zero-carbon economy. To address a key global challenge such as climate change, organizations need to collaborate and partner across all levels, networks, and regions. As the world faces a climate catastrophe, everyone must seek out means to effectively reduce the impact on the environment.
Making a difference and employing sustainability tactics is not just for environmentally-conscious organizations. It applies to individuals and communities who need to prioritize sustainability and recycling as a simple but solid move toward climate conservation.
Urban mining uses less than 10% of energy to produce secondary aluminium, magnesium, and other metals and minerals compared to the virgin extraction of metals from their ores.
A solid concerted effort to promote urban mining across stakeholders can create a significant impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions while helping with the EPRs of manufacturing organizations.