Sustainability as a corporate culture: How companies can protect the environment sustainably

25.10.2023

If you follow the news, you will always come across the topics of global warming, famine, refugee crises, plastic waste in the oceans and species extinction. These global challenges are all urgent problems that need to be addressed immediately. Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues of our time and companies should lead by example. Companies that take sustainability and sustainable development seriously have the opportunity to meet the demands of their customers, foster positive public opinion and improve their credibility with investors. Environmental protection and sustainability are also important issues for future generations. Sustainable corporate governance can pay off in many ways.

Why is sustainability important in business?

The topic of sustainability or sustainable development is becoming increasingly important for both established companies and start-ups. Implementing sustainable measures in companies not only contributes to environmental protection, but can also benefit the company in many ways, for example vis-à-vis customers. Making one's own business sustainable offers founders’ invaluable opportunities and protects them from future risks.

Sustainable companies can create a positive public image that reflects their commitment to tackling environmental problems and social justice. Sustainable companies attract more customers as more people become interested in and prioritise environmental and sustainability issues. Many customers now prefer a sustainable company to other companies. Entrepreneurs who strive for sustainable development and business have a number of competitive advantages. The basic attitude of wanting to create a sustainable company is always well received by the public. As a result, sustainability is increasingly becoming an integral part of corporate strategies around the world. Customers now expect companies to do more than just protect the environment, especially as global warming and other environmental issues pose a pervasive threat to communities and the planet. Companies recognise the potential for further opportunities if they adopt sustainable practices and develop sustainable products. This means going beyond just protecting the environment and also taking social responsibility and economic considerations into account.

Sustainability concept - the concrete measures on the way to sustainability

The first step in the sustainable development of a company is to evaluate the current manufacturing processes and the use of raw materials in the company. This may include an analysis of the materials used, where they come from and whether or not they are renewable sources. For example, companies can try to source their resources regionally. The assessment should also consider how energy is used and whether changes could be made to reduce waste or improve efficiency. In addition, it is important to identify methods that can reduce the overall cost of operations through renewable energy and the use of more sustainable options, such as drilling solar panels or recycling water for agricultural purposes.

Resources that would normally be thrown away can often be recycled or reused, and initiatives such as energy efficiency can reduce overall net costs in the long run. By addressing the issues of environmental sustainability and renewable energy early on, companies can put themselves on a solid financial and moral footing that can pay dividends for businesses in the future.

It is also important to consider digital technologies that can help achieve sustainability in businesses. Examples include the use of artificial intelligence to optimise packaging, automation to make better use of resources, or the use of predictive analytics to maximise production efficiency. By evaluating new technologies, companies can create innovative solutions to everyday tasks that contribute positively to sustainable development. Sustainable companies also need to review their current supply chain management practices to ensure that all segments are contributing positively to sustainability goals. This may include adopting environmental certifications such as Fairtrade and conducting appropriate certification assessments when selecting suppliers.

What are companies doing to realise sustainability goals?

In recent years, there has been a shift towards more corporate responsibility in terms of concrete action on environmental and social sustainability. Both large companies and smaller enterprises are taking measures to achieve sustainability goals. These range from operational measures (reducing energy consumption and waste) to being more transparent about their policies and practices. Larger companies often focus on green architecture and renewable energy, while smaller or young companies may prioritise reducing food waste, using local suppliers or using environmentally friendly packaging materials.

In addition, many sustainable companies are pursuing other initiatives, such as supporting circular economy strategies by introducing product rental models or sharing services. Some companies also invest in volunteer programmes for their employees to foster a sense of community engagement and support charitable causes alongside internal work processes. These practices can bring long-term benefits to employees, customers, investors and the environment, underlining the importance of pursuing sustainable development goals across sectors.

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