Despite being developed in 2015, the Paris Agreement is still at the forefront of business planning, particularly as the escalating problems of climate change continue to dominate the headlines. At the end of July’s 2017 summit, the leaders of the G20 announced that “a strong economy and a healthy planet are mutually reinforcing.” In light of climate change, innovation and sustainable growth are leading the way in business development.
The Paris Agreement currently implements targets higher than that of the UK Climate Change Act 2008 which aimed to decrease global levels by 2ºC, with a net zero global emissions goal for the second part of this century. The Paris Agreement, and the conferences that followed have only added a sense of urgency to the green agenda and the subsequent efforts by the countries involved.
The Paris conference was a clear indication that now is the time to take action, particularly for businesses that were behind in their mission for sustainability. Many businesses are now joining and participating in campaigns that aim to demonstrate the commercial gains of acting against climate change.
On the 12th December 2017, international leaders gathered for the One Planet Summit in Paris to celebrate the current gains made since 2015 but to also boost political and economic support for the cause that still has a long way to go to meet the goals set by the cause.
Data from the World Counts highlights that our natural resources (vital materials for millions of businesses globally) are becoming drained. To put it into perspective, we, as a planet, extract 55 billion tons of biomass, fossil energy, minerals and metals each year! According to the UN Global Compact, “we are already using two to three times more of the Earth’s natural resources than is sustainable.”
Extreme weather patterns and the increases and velocity of natural disasters are also disrupting and putting a substantial strain on business operations and their supply chains.
But going green doesn’t have to cost businesses the earth. One example comes from major retailer M&S who saved £750 million in costs and reduced their operational carbon footprint by almost 70%! Savings derived from initiatives such as building designs that minimise energy use and carbon emissions, effective waste management, environmentally-friendly packaging, efficient management of delivery fleets and solar power investment, to name but a few.
However, it is not just large corporations that can be greener. Small to mid-sized businesses can also benefit from initiatives to make their business more environmentally-conscious without incurring huge costs.
Businesses across a wealth of industries are now realising that becoming more environmentally aware is vital to being a smart business, and not simply a necessity because of regulations. Businesses will ultimately benefit from tracking their processes and calculating their carbon footprint, in addition to implementing plans to reduce their impact on the environment through the utilisation of in-house and external programmes.
Ways Businesses can be Environmentally Conscious:
Sourcing and incorporating carbon reduction projects into the operations of your business.
Following the best practices for recycling, as well as reducing waste production where possible.
Reviewing the efficiency of your energy use and implementing small changes into the business, such energy-saving bulbs, building management systems and adjusting the habits of workers (such as turning off computing systems).
Utilising renewable energy sources where possible.
Implementing clean technology where applicable to help your business reduce its impact on the environment.
If you want to discuss how your organisation can be more environmentally-friendly without incurring huge costs to your business operations, get in touch with our specialists today to discuss your cost management. We will be able to advise you on a number of departments, from packaging and waste to logistics and utility costs, to ensure your business is ready for an eco-friendly future.
Article by: Ian Morrison