Climate changes and climate change are two things that the majority of us are worried about. It’s difficult to escape visualizing the devastation impact climate change is having on the world and its inhabitants. The growing awareness and pressures from the outside have led to more businesses making efforts to lessen their carbon footprint and to achieve carbon neutrality. For many companies, getting carbon neutral can be the primary step towards becoming net-zero. There are many easy options that your company could effectively implement to fight this challenge. We can help our clients comprehend the benefits both short and long-term for their businesses of adopting climate change-related actions to become carbon neutral and even achieving net-zero. This article will present five reasons why you should become carbon-neutral and assist you begin your business towards net-zero.
1. Customers are showing an increasing desire to purchase carbon neutral brands
Environmental concerns are becoming more influential in the buying choices of consumers which is causing a radical shift in business and consumer purchasing habits. Today consumers expect more than just high-quality. They are actively choosing brands that reflect their beliefs and are transparent in their operations.
Nowadays, consumers are more willing to alter their relationships with their brands. If they consider sustainability as a key aspect 70% are willing to pay an amount of 35% to purchase green and sustainable brands. In this regard, businesses who thrive are those who are who are willing to change their strategies. Being climate-friendly can assist them in attracting customers. As a result they’re also more likely to achieve an advantage in the market.
There are similar demands for increased transparency in B2B procurement, with half of buyers assessing the social and environmental performance of their suppliers. Additionally over three out of four large firms already have the term “sustainable” in their contract for purchasing. Microsoft for instance, has a specific code of conduct that requires suppliers to reveal the carbon footprint of their suppliers. Microsoft is determined to continue cutting down its carbon footprint as well as that of the other companies within the market.
2. The employees prefer employers who have a sense of responsibility and are accountable.
The present generation of employee talent is looking at prospective employers based on the positive social and environmental sustainability impacts. Additionally positively Planet customers are more often saying that prospective employees ask whether the business is committed to sustainability and carbon-neutral.
An earlier Deloitte survey has revealed that millennials are seeking meaningful jobs and desire an impact on society. But, two-thirds would be reluctant to accept an employment opportunity unless the company is committed to an exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies. Furthermore, the majority of them would rather accept the lower pay than work with an environmentally and socially unsustainable firm.
By 2025 , millennials will make up 75 percent of world’s workforce. This means employers must be more cognizant and responsive to their requirements to keep the best talent.
3. Sustainability in your business can help increase the amount of money you earn and lower your expenses
Businesses often ask if sustainability “undermines or improves financial outcomes”. But, as per studies conducted by non-profit organization CDP companies that systematically prepare and manage climate change get an 18% better ROI than companies which don’t. Furthermore, businesses that use sustainability-based products grow 5.6 times more quickly than alternatives that are not sustainable.
Global consulting firm McKinsey has also found that placing emphasis on environmental, social as well as governance (ESG) goals can dramatically cut expenses. Implementing sustainable practices can help combat rising operating costs (such as the cost of raw materials and the real cost of carbon or water). A higher efficiency in energy use is one example. It can dramatically lower energy costs and provide returns on investment (IRR) that is 48% in the average.
4. Investors are searching for forward-looking companies and aren’t scared to make a move.
Businesses often ask if sustainability “undermines or improves financial outcomes”. According to research conducted by the non-profit organization CDP companies that systematically prepare and manage climate change achieve an 18% greater ROI than companies which don’t. In addition, companies that have sustainability-based products grow 5.6 times quicker than non-sustainable counterparts.
The global consultancy McKinsey has found that the focus on social, environmental as well as governance (ESG) objectives can dramatically cut expenses. Implementing sustainable practices can help reduce the cost of operating (such as the cost of raw materials and the real costs of carbon or water). Energy efficiency improvements for instance, could dramatically lower energy costs and provide the internal return (IRR) that is 48% in the average.
5. It’s just a matter of the time before climate-related regulations dramatically influence how you conduct your business.
The regulations pertaining to climate change are evolving and will benefit companies that are able to incorporate sustainable business processes. While some businesses are still able to freely disclose information about their sustainable practices Non-financial reporting is obligatory for large businesses. It is the EU legislation, as an instance obliges public-interest corporations that employ more than 500 people to release details about the environmental and social impact of their operations.
Businesses must plan for greater regulations in the future, since there is increasing pressure from various organizations to make it compulsory for small and medium-sized firms to establish and hold themselves accountable for sustainable processes.
It is important that businesses plan for the mandatory rules on environmental reporting especially for publicly-listed companies as they’ll become among the very first that will be subjected to the disclosure regulations. So, companies must remain ahead of the curve and stay aware of the regulations, since it is essential for maintaining competitive advantages. Additionally, failing to be on top of the game could lead to penalties and legal problems.
Sustainability is a long-term program.
Finding the right place to begin in the process of adopting sustainable practices can be daunting and confusing, but we wanted to ease your mind and made it easier to know the benefits your business will reap from green practices. Green practices can save you both time and expense and will also help you attract customers who are loyal as well as the best talents of the future. This is a fantastic chance to be a leader in your industry. Take this bold step to achieve that competitive edge. Making your business more sustainable is a process and now is the ideal moment to begin.