Business Climate Action

Best Practices

With the growing urgency to address climate change, businesses today play a pivotal role in driving global climate action by reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. While the task may seem overwhelming, there are clear and practical steps every business can take to make a meaningful impact.

1: Transition to Renewable Energy

Shift to green energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. By doing so, businesses can substantially lower their carbon footprint and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

2: Sustainable Sourcing and Waste Reduction

  • Recycled and Sustainable Materials: Source recycled or sustainable raw materials where possible to reduce waste and conserve resources. 
  • Reduce Packaging and Printing: Limit the use of packaging materials, opting for biodegradable or recyclable options. Consider digital alternatives to reduce printing needs, such as digital invoices and reports. 

3: Climate-Conscious Travel Policies

Implement travel policies that prioritize low-emission transportation options. Encourage virtual meetings when feasible and offset unavoidable travel emissions by investing in environmental projects. 

4: Optimize Supply Chain Sustainability

Use your purchasing power to drive change by collaborating with suppliers to adopt greener practices. Engage your entire supply chain in co-creation and ideation to reduce environmental impact across production and distribution.

5: Calculate and Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions

Measure direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions from company operations and facilities, then set actionable targets to lower them. Engaging stakeholders across the business can bring valuable insights and accountability.

6: Adopt a Circular Economy Model

Embrace a circular economy by designing processes that emphasize recycling, reusing, and refurbishing. Reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency can dramatically lower a company’s carbon footprint.

7: Educate and Engage Employees and the Community

Provide educational programs on sustainable practices and climate action to foster awareness among employees, customers, and the community. Encouraging collective action helps individuals make sustainable choices in their lives and support environmentally responsible policies.

8: Explore "Climate Positive" Strategies

Go beyond reducing emissions by actively removing more carbon from the atmosphere than your company produces. Prioritize local sourcing, circular principles, and green logistics to reduce emissions, support local economies, and promote sustainability.

9: Create a Climate-Focused Code of Conduct

Develop a code of conduct that embeds climate action into your company culture. Outline concrete steps that all levels of management and staff can engage with to reduce the organization’s environmental impact, ensuring these initiatives are acted upon consistently.

10: Foster Sustainability Groups and Employee Engagement

Support employee resource groups that advocate for sustainable practices, such as plant-based lifestyles or eco-conscious events. These groups can organize activities like monthly farmer’s markets, lunch-and-learns, and volunteer days.

11: Conduct a Carbon Audit and Implement Offsetting Initiatives

Commission a comprehensive carbon audit to identify the primary sources of emissions. Based on the results, implement energy-efficient technologies, invest in renewables, and consider offset programs like reforestation to compensate for residual emissions.

12: Incorporate Climate Action into Employee Volunteer Programs

Offer employees dedicated time each year to participate in climate-related volunteer activities. Consider organizing poster sessions or other events where employees can share their experiences and recognize outstanding contributions.