Nature in the Boardroom (and in the business plan)..

Virtually all of the world’s largest companies now issue a sustainability report and set goals; more than 2,000 companies have set a science-based carbon target; and about one-third of Europe’s largest public companies have pledged to reach net zero by 2050 (Winston, 2022).

As our team at Konnect For Business evolves,  we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability. Our most recent Net Zero Project in Partnership with the University of Exeter Green Futures initiative, is our first step towards doing our part to stabilise the climate, increase generational equity and reduce the hardships future generations are projected to face.

Whilst regulations around emissions are introduced, new expenses associated with emissions accounting, carbon reduction strategy and sustainability must be acknowledged. Starting your business sustainably will save you time,  whilst also saving the time of outsourced consultants and Net Zero Specialists who work to support the transition of existing businesses with unsustainable business models. Honestly, we think it would be far better if new businesses set off on the right foot. Preventative action over corrective action!

Starting a sustainable business will give your start-up an edge whilst making you eligible for more funding opportunities, all whilst ensuring your business has a positive effect on the planet.

‘An independent study commissioned by Smartest Energy reveals that consumers are increasingly favouring brands with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The study reveals that 4 out of 5 people describe themselves as likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to environmental sustainability.’

If you start your business without considering sustainability, you will only have to make the transition later. Avoiding carbon from that start could look like incentivising use of public transport for staff and customers, encouraging hybrid working and working from home, installing EV charging, switching to green energy, supporting reforestation projects (or other sequestration initiatives), sourcing services and materials locally, seeking procurement from businesses with credible Carbon reduction Plans (CRP) or sustainable accreditations and designing with recyclability in mind ensuring your product fits into a circular system.

Whilst we work to ensure there is data there to prove these new preferences are having a positive impact, it’s fairly easy to imagine a future which is created from such choices. It’s beyond exciting to imagine the UK in 2050, boasting regenerative farms with fertile soils, organic food, an established manufacturing industry powered by renewables, clean air, successful recycling schemes, clean streets, biodiverse ecosystems and healthy, happy people to exist within them.

We look forward to creating this reality alongside you.

 

Eden Freeman-Payne – Sustainability Consultant

 

If you are interested starting a business sustainable from the outset, a carbon avoidance business plan could set you off on the right path, creating a Net Zero organisation sooner than you think. Get in touch with the team to find out more.