Embracing environmental sustainability is a critical step for businesses seeking to future-proof their operations and contribute positively to the planet's wellbeing. However, creating a greener business requires more than just intent—it requires a well-defined strategy, practical steps, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. This article provides an actionable guide to implementing environmental sustainability in business, with a particular focus on the essential aspect of managing and reducing emissions.
Managing and reducing emissions is a continuous process rather than a one-time action. The process can be broken down into five key stages:
Understanding the size of your carbon footprint is the first step towards reducing it. Businesses can measure emissions using their own records, such as invoices for energy or fuel, travel receipts, and supply chain data. Various tools and platforms, such as FutureTracker, can help businesses translate this data into carbon emissions equivalents. This process often involves considering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which respectively cover direct emissions from owned sources, indirect emissions from purchased electricity, and indirect emissions from the wider value chain.
Based on the measured emissions, businesses can set realistic and actionable reduction targets. It is crucial to align these targets with international standards, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
With targets in place, businesses can then devise and implement strategies to achieve these goals. This could include steps like enhancing energy efficiency, adopting green building practices, and optimising transportation.
Regular monitoring of emissions is essential to assess progress and ensure that the business is on track to meet its targets. Businesses should openly report their emissions and reduction efforts. This could involve creating a sustainability report or disclosing this information in an annual report. Such transparency not only builds trust with stakeholders but also ensures accountability.
Environmental sustainability is a continuous journey that requires regular reassessment and adjustment of strategies. Continually seek ways to improve by adopting new technologies, adapting to changing environmental needs, and responding to feedback from stakeholders.
While managing emissions is an integral part of environmental sustainability, there are several other facets to running an eco-friendly business. By combining these initiatives with emissions management, businesses can create a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to business sustainability.
Sustainable businesses ensure that their supply chains are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This involves selecting suppliers who use sustainable materials, and minimise waste in their production processes, and employ sustainable transport methods. Some businesses even go a step further by working with their suppliers to help them become more sustainable.
Sustainable businesses are often involved in developing products or services that have a positive impact on the environment. This could mean creating products that are biodegradable, made from recycled materials, or designed to use less energy.
Reducing waste is a great way for businesses to improve their sustainability, as it not only helps to reduce emissions, but also protects ecosystems, minimises plastic pollution that can harm wildlife and marine life, and helps to preserve natural resources for future generations. Reducing waste involves rethinking production processes to use fewer resources, implementing recycling programs, and exploring circular economy strategies, such as using waste from one process as a resource for another.
Water is a precious resource, and sustainable businesses implement practices to conserve it. This can include installing water-efficient appliances, recycling water, and minimising water usage in production processes.
Businesses committed to sustainability often channel their investments into green initiatives. This could mean investing in renewable energy projects, funding research and development for sustainable technologies, or contributing to reforestation and conservation efforts. By doing so, these businesses not only get a return on their investment but also make a positive impact on the environment.
These initiatives, in combination with a robust emission management cycle, can help businesses make substantial strides towards overall sustainability. However, most businesses find they need some extra assistance both to get their journey started and to continue making improvements.
FutureTracker is the perfect partner for businesses looking to start or accelerate their sustainability journey. FutureTracker equips you with the necessary resources to measure, manage, and reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a better future for both your business and the planet. You can learn more about FutureTracker by requesting our free information packet by clicking here.
