Planet Mark, a sustainability certification for every type of organisation, has shared its top tips for businesses that are looking to adopt sustainable business practices in order to achieve commercial resilience and help combat climate change.
Organisations’ attitudes towards sustainability have quickly shifted from “nice to have” to a business imperative. Bringing in sustainable business practices can help organisations comply with new legislation and reduce stakeholder pressure, but it can also assist them to win more contracts, recruit and keep the best personnel, and build business resilience.
However, adopting sustainability and making adjustments can be overwhelming for some businesses.
The road to net zero
Regardless of size, all UK businesses must achieve net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, yet according to studies less than one-third of them presently have net zero policies in place. A lack of internal investment and the need for improved regulation are major obstacles, but several businesses also believe that their actions would be ineffective in the face of the climate problem.
In the UK, SMEs account for more than 99% of all businesses and more than 60% of all jobs. Since 2013, Planet Mark has worked with companies of all kinds to help them embrace sustainability, lessen their carbon footprint, and unleash the passion of their staff. As a result, the organisation has seen first-hand the tremendously positive influence that businesses, even SMEs, can have when acting collectively.
For instance, this year alone, Planet Mark has contributed to the reduction of approximately 115,000 tonnes of carbon, which is equal to the CO2 emissions from 14 billion smartphone charges.
Here are some of Planet Mark’s tips for organisations starting out on their sustainability journey:
1. You can’t manage what you don’t measure
Businesses are required to be aware of and understand their impact on the globe as customers, clients, supply chains, and talent all become more cognizant of the effects of climate change.
Data on emissions from large firms must be made publicly available for regulatory programmes like SECR, short for Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting, EU ETS (the EU Emissions Trading System) ESOS, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme and industry-specific targets.
Over 1,300 of the largest UK-registered corporations and financial institutions are now required to publish climate-related financial information on a mandatory basis thanks to the UK Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, which became mandatory for large organisations in April this year. These regulatory effects are now filtering down to smaller businesses through the supplier chains of large corporations.
A crucial component of any effective sustainability strategy is calculating a carbon footprint, which is also the first step in continuing to reduce emissions. Based on this information, a company can prioritise efforts to start reducing its emissions and comprehend the environmental effects of its commercial activities. The ability to convey and be understood by many industries makes the carbon footprint one of the most well-known and recognisable emblems of sustainable development.
The total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that an individual, business or organisation, object, or event is responsible for directly or indirectly are referred to as their “carbon footprint” and are commonly expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). These GHG emissions are combined into one conveniently measurable and monitored carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) when calculating a carbon footprint with Planet Mark. The majority of organisations adopt this measurement because it makes it easier to monitor, lessen, and communicate the footprint while also allowing for comparisons and benchmarking.
2. Set a science-based target
Science-based targets give businesses a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Limiting global warming to well-below 2°C over pre-industrial levels and furthering efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C are the goals of the Paris Agreement, a binding accord ratified by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris.
While many firms have the resources and motivation to set goals for carbon reduction and carry them out, many of these goals have little to do with climate science. Science-based targets are a method for businesses to show leadership in their industry, remain at the forefront of social responsibility, and convince stakeholders that they are serious about taking action on climate change.
Businesses can participate in the Race to Zero by joining other progressive companies that have made the Planet Mark Net Zero Commitment. Planet Mark is one of the 10 recognised partners of the UN-backed Race to Zero initiative. Businesses that sign the Planet Mark Net Zero Commitment automatically join the Race to Zero campaign and join a diverse group of organisations that are dedicated to attaining net zero carbon emissions worldwide.
3. Engage your employees in sustainable business practices
The secret to attaining your organization’s sustainability goals is to unleash the enthusiasm of your workforce. One of the most empowering and important actions you can take on your sustainability path is to put together a progressive and effective green team or group of sustainability champions. This will support your efforts to achieve sustainability goals and develop a culture at work that is motivated by goals.
Your sustainability champions team can be a terrific way to broaden your company network, encourage departmental cooperation, and bring about significant change if the drive and enthusiasm are there.
4. Embrace the quick wins
Some aspects of sustainability may take longer to implement. However, there are some quick wins that can help reduce your business’ emissions quickly, from switching to online meetings and events to promoting more environmentally friendly modes of transport through incentives like the Cycling to Work scheme.
The operational efficiency of your business’s water, energy, and trash use might significantly increase as a result of infrastructure upgrades. Controlling the temperature set points within your building or operation, for instance, is only one of these simple but powerful energy-saving measures. Planet Mark advises keeping a temperature of 21°C. Another way to increase energy efficiency in your company is through properly maintained equipment, such as making sure air conditioning units aren’t blocked.
5. Share your challenges and opportunities
Finally, share your journey along the way. Given that research indicates that consumers are becoming more willing to pay more for sustainable goods and services, it might be helpful for your business to be able to communicate success with authenticity and assurance. According to McKinsey & Company, $1 out of every $5 spent on FMCG comes from environmentally conscious consumers.
Sharing your sustainability accomplishments and objectives might help you draw in and keep talent. Younger generations are seeking employment in purpose-driven organisations, according to studies. One study found that over 60% of millennials won’t accept a job at an organisation without a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
While conveying sustainability is crucial, greenwashing must be avoided by being genuine and transparent.
That’s not to say you can’t also share your struggles. Trust, which is a crucial component of brand loyalty, is fostered by honesty. Customers and stakeholders will respond favourably to sincere and open communications about your sustainability journey. If you explain the reasons why and the lessons you learned so that other companies can learn with you, it is OK to disclose if you haven’t fulfilled your goals. This will facilitate the quicker resolution of our common global problems.
Planet Mark’s free toolkits are designed to help organisations take the first steps in measuring the carbon emissions associated with five key areas: energy, water, waste, procurement and travel. You can download them here.
Earlier this year, Planet Mark joined forces with Amazon to call for the creation of a government-backed Net Zero Resource Hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This would help SMEs to access funding and advice for their sustainability journey.
