Earth Day is all about taking climate action for environmental sustainability. It’s aim as an organisation is to empower both individuals and businesses to support local communities and fight the climate crisis with positive and sustainable climate action.
This year’s theme is centred on ‘Invest in our planet’, and according to the Earth Day website, “more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.”
To do our part for the sustainability education of organisations, we’re sharing 3 reads for three days of climate action, packed full of tips and inspiration for your business to take action on environmental sustainability.
3 reads for three days of climate action
1. Sustainable procurement: much more than ticking boxes
About: The real value of sustainability reporting comes from being able to prove improved performance or demonstrate tangible actions. It is here that sustainability can morph from a reporting requirement into a competitive advantage and a source of shared value. Research by MSCI5 has shown evidence that environmental, social and governance has had a positive effect on long-term share price growth. Those with a strong sustainability performance could benefit from lower capital costs, higher valuations, higher profitability, and lower exposure to risk. This eBook looks at the practical application of using sustainability as a growth solution.
Benefits for buyers: Protect the supply of goods and services from being disrupted by legislation and regulation changes to sustainability requirements. As standards get more rigorous, those left behind may not be able to operate and may disrupt supply chains.
Benefits for suppliers: Qualify for new contracts, such as government and NGO projects. 70% of suppliers don’t measure their carbon footprint, but buyers are looking for this information to achieve transparency in their supply chains and to promote best practice.
2. Renewable energies and sustainability as strategic concepts
About: According to a 2019 report, “the functional renewables capacity in the Spanish peninsula system, without taking into account water, grew by 20% last year, which means we are closer to the annual record of renewables capacity, reaching 40%”. This short 3-minute read looks at the strategic side of sustainability through the use of renewable energy.
Benefits for buyers: Understand if your suppliers are not in line with your company’s objectives when it comes to renewable energy and sustainability.
Benefits for suppliers: Gain insight into buying organisations’ corporate strategies when it comes to environmental sustainability, and learn how reverse engineer the concepts to align with your own business goals for competitive advantage.
3. Net-Zero Challenge: how to achieve Carbon Neutrality
About: Climate action programmes play a vital role in accelerating the global transition towards Net Zero by enabling organisations to take full responsibility for their carbon emissions today, while they plan and deliver longer term changes alongside national initiatives for decarbonisation. But how can a business actually achieve Net Zero?
Benefits for buyers: Learn the difference between credible and junk carbon credits when it comes to offsetting, and gain confidence in your carbon reporting status to stakeholders, including the government and investors.
Benefits for suppliers: Understanding the environmental benefits and marketing opportunities that come with Net Zero is vital for suppliers. More and more buying organisations are looking for carbon reductions in their supply chain, and if you can’t demonstrate credible carbon reductions, you might not win the next contract.
If you found these 3 reads for Earth Day insightful, discover our recommendations for working with your sustainability team here.
