Corporations play a crucial role in our daily lives, producing most of the products we buy, use, and dispose of. Unfortunately, they also have an outsized impact on global climate change. Although a recently published report indicated that 100 energy companies have been responsible for 71% of all industrial emissions since human-driven climate change was officially recognized, corporations have also been identified as one of the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to self-reported numbers, the top 15 U.S. food and beverage companies generate nearly 630 million metric tons of greenhouse gases every year. Astonishingly, this small group of companies alone generates more emissions than Australia, which is the world’s 15th largest annual source of greenhouse gases.
Undoubtedly, corporations- the entities with perhaps the most power to take action and mitigate the crisis- have started to feel the pressure. With so many simple ways to reduce carbon emissions, there’s no reason not to operate in an environmentally friendly way. There are many sustainable practices corporations , regardless of their sizes, can adopt to actively work towards reducing their carbon footprint. This can include; minimizing waste generation, actively planting trees, reducing energy consumption, and promoting sustainable transportation. Here are more ways in which corporations can reduce their carbon emissions and safeguard the environment.
| Conducting an Environmental Audit | The first step towards implementing sustainable practices is conducting an environmental audit. Organizations are increasingly adopting environmental auditing as a means to meet stakeholder demands and bolster investor confidence. This approach enables organizations to assess their environmental impact, identify areas for improvement, and take necessary steps towards sustainability. By undertaking regular environmental audits, companies can showcase their commitment to sustainability and respond to the growing expectations such as adopting environmentally responsible practices. |
| Curbing the use of fossil fuels in Power Generation | The process of generating electricity has the most significant impact on global warming and was responsible for over a third of energy-related carbon emissions in 2021. Therefore, phasing out the use of coal, oil, and gas in this sector is deemed crucial in preventing the world from reaching dangerous levels of climate change. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources are set to surpass coal as the largest source of electricity worldwide by 2025. The IEA report also highlights that renewable energy is growing faster than any other source of power, and that solar and wind energy are leading the way. Great strides are being made in the fight against fossil fuels. Solar power experienced a significant growth of 24% worldwide last year, which is sufficient to meet the energy demands of a country as large as South Africa for an entire year. When combined with nuclear and hydropower, clean energy sources accounted for 39% of the world’s electricity generation in 2022. As per the report, the electricity produced last year was, in effect, the cleanest ever made. One significant player impacting this overall trend is China. The country accounted for approximately 50% of the global addition of wind power and about 40% of the new global solar capacity. Interestingly, China is also the world’s largest consumer of coal power, making their transition to renewable energy sources a crucial factor in the fight against climate change. Corporations have a part to play in this transition, whether it’s by supporting renewable energy initiatives or making more environmentally conscious decisions. |
| Reducing Energy Consumption | Energy consumption is generally responsible for around 50% of a company’s total carbon footprint. By reducing energy consumption within a facility, a company not only reduces the cost of energy expenses but also decreases the environmental burden for which it is responsible. Whether that’s switching to energy-efficient lighting, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, or implementing a power management system, there are various ways for corporations to make minor changes towards sustainability. Investing in green energy and green office equipment can be a great way to reduce energy consumption. Many energy providers now offer a green tariff, making it easier for companies to access clean energy sources. |
| Minimizing Waste Generation through Recycling | Incorporating recycling practices at the workplace is a simple yet effective approach to decrease an organization’s carbon footprint. When we recycle, we reduce the number of raw materials that need to be sourced to create products from scratch. Implementing recycling collections at the workplace can cultivate a more environmentally conscious work culture. This is likely to be more attractive to your customer base and it could even boost staff morale. According to a study by TopLine Film in 2019, 73% of office workers expressed a desire for their workplace to enhance sustainability efforts. Additionally, a significant 24% of respondents indicated that they would reject a job offer from an organization with poor sustainability records. Furthermore, using recycled materials can assist your business in promoting conservation of the earth’s resources. While recycled alternatives may sometimes come at a slightly higher cost, the environmental expense of employing brand-new products is considerably much greater. |
| Eliminating Single-Use Plastics | While single-use plastic products (SUPPs) may signify the epitome of convenience, the environmental and human health risks they pose through production, distribution, and litter are rather significant. The open burning of plastic waste, consumption of plastic-contaminated seafood and creation of harmful microplastics are just some reasons why SUPPs should be phased out. A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) titled “From Pollution to Solution” shows that there is currently between 75-199 million tons of plastic waste in the ocean, and in 2016, 9-14 tons of waste entered the aquatic ecosystem. It is predicted that by 2040, this number will have almost tripled to 23-37 million tons per year. Plastics are the largest, most harmful, and most persistent type of marine debris, accounting for at least 85 per cent of all marine waste. Additionally, simply eliminating single-use plastic products and switching to single-use products made of other materials is not the solution. It is the single-use nature of products, and not the material that they’re made of, that is the most problematic for the planet. The best solution may not be the same in all societies but taking a life cycle approach can help in setting the base towards the right decision. |
| Partnering with Sustainable Suppliers | It’s no longer enough to ensure your own business is doing its part to help protect the environment. Incorporating sustainable suppliers is crucial. Although you may take extensive measures to minimize your environmental impact, supporting companies that do little or nothing to protect the environment may, in essence, contribute to the funding of unsustainable practices. |
In conclusion, as concerns about climate change continue to increase, it is essential for corporations to recognize their responsibility and take action to minimize their environmental impact. By taking the steps highlighted above, corporations can become leaders in sustainability and help make a positive impact on the planet.
By Michelle Nthemba
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