Going green is not just a nice-to-have goal. It has become a necessity as more and more businesses are under pressure to adopt green strategies. Ultimately, countless countries, including France, New Zealand, the UK, and Norway have legally committed to net zero emissions by 2050. As the UN states, commitments need to be backed by credible action that can make this goal achievable. There is a global effort to reach net zero, and as more and more countries have agreed to make it happen, the truth is that a major part of the sustainable activities falls back onto businesses. And this can mean only one thing: businesses have to work hard to meet the expectations set by the national government for fear of facing future penalties and fines.
The importance of going green and sustainability for businesses
Sustainability may be an international trend, but it’s a lot more than just a buzzword. It has become a business imperative for many reasons. First of all, as countries are committed to reduce their carbon emissions, the legislation is expected to take a severe stance against businesses that fail to align their operations with the global sustainable effort.
But, from a business perspective, there are many reasons to pursue a sustainable strategy that go beyond and above avoiding future fines. First of all, climate change has become a source of concern that nobody can afford to ignore.
Secondly, 4 in 5 customers openly want to embrace sustainability as part of their lifestyle and choices, which is why they favour brands that make significant sustainable efforts. Almost 90% of customers expect brands to act now towards enhanced sustainability.
Unfortunately, as customers are researching their options, they are also asking questions not only about brands’ sustainable commitments, but also about how brands can keep their green promises.
The importance of communication in sustainability
Going green is one thing. But letting your customers know precisely how you are going green and what you are doing about it is another. Indeed, sustainability needs to be backed by actions, as per the UN report, and the first of these actions is to communicate your plan and strategies to your customers.
Transparency and clarity in your message are, of course, paramount. Many big brands, such as IKEA for example, are facing legal repercussions as a result of their sustainability messaging.
It is important to understand that customers are getting increasingly worried about miscommunication and brands that promise more than they can deliver. Greenwashing is not and has never been the way to lead the sustainability revolution.
Understanding and planning the changes
Navigating the process of sustainability planning is a complex endeavour, and one that can require substantial transformations. Yet, many operational changes, even sustainable ones, can affect business growth. This is precisely where reaching expert advisors, such as 42T, can ensure businesses are equipped with the strategic knowledge they need for a green change.
Ultimately, sustainability is a multifaceted concept. A seasoned advisor can highlight new strategic paths to improve your current environmental impact and deploy an effective strategy. Strategic changes that are somehow easy to implement, such as addressing a product usage or new material options, can often go a long way, and promote long-term results. This can act as a starting platform to gradually transform and enhance the business.
In conclusion, there is a lot more to the green business revolution than meets the eye. As with any business move, this is a complex strategic decision that requires careful planning every step of the way.
