Earth Day 2021 - Climate Change What Companies Can Do Right Now
Happy Earth Day. In light of the Climate Summit that Joe Biden is hosting today, it’s time to discuss what you can do right now to fight climate change. The situation: Companies want to help fight climate change but don’t know how to start. Or they don’t know how to navigate it within their industry. However, even small things like company culture can make a difference and accelerate a climate change strategy. Here’s a list of some things you can do right now to fight climate change. From simple sustainability partnerships to climate change driven content to commitments to reduce carbon load. There are things you CAN do. Today, Earth Day 2021.
The primary role of this group/individual will be to create a Climate Action Plan that is tailored to your business. Documenting what is feasible as well as relatable for your company, your clients, and your employees. Understanding the steps forward in terms of setting goals, financing options, and energy efficiencies.
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. At the end of calendar year 2020, more than 700 Partner organizations were voluntarily using billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500® companies; small and medium sized businesses; local, state, and federal governments; and colleges and universities.
Transportation is the biggest climate abuser. Considering the past year of working from home, keep that going so teams aren’t driving to work. They’ll appreciate the flexibility, trust, and contribution they are making to help fight climate change. Sounds like a no-brainer, but here’s how you’ll use this to tell your climate change story. Document the savings! Have the task force do the math. Calculating the following: number of employees, commute times/days, miles traveled, emissions released. That becomes your energy savings story. It helps with recruitment and retention as well.
Know your partners. Find out what they are doing about climate change. Seek out partners and consultants who are proactively fighting climate change. Designations are a great way to vet a company by being a CSR or a B-Corp. Or if they are actively on committees, boards, or volunteer for environmental non-profits. Communicate with them that it is part of your culture and your value systems so they understand it’s a priority for your business. And if they aren’t doing anything, provide stewardship to help them find out how they can help fight climate change.
Finally, inform yourself on what happens when you don’t focus on climate change and your business. Or you make a commitment without an action.
NYTImes - What’s Really Behind Corporate Promises on Climate Change?
Forbes - The Businesses That Are – And Are Not – Leading On Climate Change
Financial Times - The role of business in climate change
Need help getting started on climate change and your business, starting a task force, or communicating what you are already doing to fight climate change? Contact me to discuss how you can start now.