We all know what environmental sustainability in business could look like, but in order to progress, concrete examples are necessary for us to learn from. That’s why this article breaks down our top 5 examples, what they have done, and how we can learn from them.
What is Environmental Sustainability?
In short, Environmental sustainability in business involves managing a company to minimize contribution to climate change and preserve natural resources. Examples could include reducing emissions, minimizing waste and pollution, conserving resources, and using sustainable materials and practices. It is becoming more important for businesses as consumers demand sustainable products and governments implement environmental regulations. Also, companies can benefit financially from reduced costs and improved reputation.
However, to display how important environmental sustainability is to business, we compiled examples from 5 companies who have made positive progress. This shows exactly what each business does, what they have achieved, and how they benefit from making these efforts.
Cooper Parry. ‘The Sustainable Accountants’.
Cooper Parry, a UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm, has shown a commitment to environmental sustainability through its business operations. The company has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable business practices. This includes a widespread recycling program throughout its offices that recycles over 90% of its office waste during the year.
In one year, this has included 16.5 tonnes of paper, 1.5 tonnes of plastic, and 500 kg of food waste. The program also includes using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, showing how sustainability can be applied well to the office.
On a wider level, they have also taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources. These include solar panels, that generated equivalent to the annual energy consumption of seven average UK households. Also, they use motion-sensor lighting and the have installed insulation in their buildings, helping them to save energy. Overall, this helped to reduce their carbon emissions by 29% compared to the previous year.
Beyond just promoting sustainability internally, Cooper Parry also promote sustainability among their clients and partners. Their sustainability consulting services have helped clients to reduce their carbon emissions by an average of 12%. This was according to a 2020 Sustainability report.
Beyond this, they work with suppliers and partners to promote sustainability in the supply chain. As a consequence, they encourage the adoption of ethical and environmentally friendly practices throughout.
Overall, Cooper Parry’s commitment to sustainability shows a company setting an great example for other businesses. As accountants, they show that sustainable practices can be environmentally and not have a negative impact on the bottom line.
Fourfront Group. A sustainable future for offices:
A UK-based office design and fit-out company, Fourfront show a heavy implementation of environmental sustainability in business. They’re committed to promoting green practices, like tackling waste management and saving energy, and have a proven track record. Last year, Fourfront recycled 94% of their office waste, including 74 tonnes of cardboard and paper and 26 tonnes of plastic. Beyond this, they have even gone paperless and encourage remote work to shrink their carbon footprint even further.
As well as recycling, cutting their energy consumption and carbon emissions is also front of mind. For example, Fourfront have installed energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems in their offices. This reduced their energy use by 23% in just one year.
And as well as just cutting back on energy—they have also invested in renewable sources. These include solar panels and green energy tariffs. In total, this has resulted in a 25% reduction in their carbon emissions compared to the previous year.
However, the best part is that rather than just reducing their own emissions, they help clients to do the same. For example, they offer sustainable office design and fit-out services that use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. This has saved clients a total of 15,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Essentially, the equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off the road for one year.
Plus, they work with suppliers and partners to spread the sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. All in all, Fourfront also proves that sustainability can be good for the planet and good for business.
Belu Water. Award-winning water:
Belu Water, a social enterprise based in the UK that provides sustainable water solutions. Founded in 2004, they have already made impressive progress in sustainability. Their water bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic, and they have reduced their carbon footprint by 52% since 2011. Additionally, the labels and packaging are made from biodegradable materials.
Through utilizing sustainable materials, Belu Water has saved over 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and 3,300 tonnes of plastic from landfill. A significant achievement.
However, their materials and sourcing are only one part of their sustainability efforts. The company is committed to supporting clean water projects in developing countries. Therefore, they have donated over £5 million to the Belu Foundation that supports clean water initiatives worldwide.
Through its work, the foundation has helped over 120,000 people gain access to clean water. This underlines their strong commitment to social impact.
In addition, Belu Water has implemented a range of further initiatives to reduce environmental impact. These include optimizing transportation routes and utilizing renewable energy sources. The company has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2017 and 2020. This is due to the meaningful difference they have made.
Centrus Finance:
Centrus Finance shows how sustainability can be actioned effectively in the finance sector. They have an impressive set of achievements.
They have reduced carbon emissions by 52% since 2015. They have sourced 100% of the electricity used in offices from renewable sources. Additionally, they have achieved zero waste to landfill status. Therefore, 98% of their waste is diverted to recycling or energy recovery.
Centrus has focused on social sustainability, which many other companies have not done. Social sustainability involves initiatives to serve and develop communities. Centrus Finance has supported a range of social enterprises, such as Big Issue Invest. They have also helped with affordable housing projects.
In 2019, the company also launched its own social impact fund. The fund focuses on investments that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.
Furthermore, Centrus Finance focus on another pillar of sustainability, supporting employee wellbeing. This includes a mental health and wellbeing program, flexible working arrangements, and a diversity and inclusion program. The company has been recognized as a Great Place to Work. Additionally, it has been awarded for its dedication to employee wellbeing.
With these three strong areas, Centrus are an example of not just environmental sustainability in business. Instead, they embody positive impact and sustainability in every sense of the word.
ACS Clothing:
ACS Clothing, rather than just committing to sustainable practices, have instead made sustainability their core business. Renting formal wear for events like weddings and proms, ACS Clothing embraces the challenge of sustainability in fashion. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, across a variety of areas.
For example, their carbon-neutral delivery service and a digital inventory system led to a 60% reduction in paper usage. In addition, they divert over 90% of their waste from landfills.
In 2020, ACS achieved increased sustainable impact. They offset 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions through their delivery service. Also, they saved 100 tonnes of waste from being disposed in landfills.
They earned a number of sustainability awards for these efforts. These included the Green Apple Environment Award and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
In addition to its environmental sustainability efforts, ACS Clothing is committed to making a positive social impact. The company partners with charities and non-profit organizations to support those in need. For example, they donated over 10,000 items of formal wear to charities like The Prince’s Trust and Smart Works.
ACS Clothing also supports local communities by partnering with schools and colleges to provide apprenticeship opportunities and support for young people. This shows their commitment to helping people as well as the planet.
Overall, ACS Clothing shows that sustainability is an important aspect of its business model. Their work helps create a more sustainable future, gives them a competitive advantage and creates long-term change.
These companies do a great job of sharing the sustainability efforts that they make, and you can do the same too. As award-winning specialists in creating positive awareness around the social impact and sustainability of companies, The Good Guys help companies that do the right thing be recognised for their impact.
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