Many companies have continued to move along their businesses without even truly considering corporate sustainability an upmost priority, but those days are over, and here is why.
The pressure is on for businesses to make the right moves and transform corporate sustainability into the priority it deserves to be.
From new regulations on greenwashing, to ESG ratings and reputation, or employees demands on sustainable employers, ignoring corporate sustainability is no longer an option, if it ever was.
Current market, economic and societal trends are not only moving towards becoming more sustainable, but are increasingly letting little to no other option than to include social and environmental clauses in every business activity.
Stop ignoring (and start prioritizing) corporate sustainability
Don’t get it twisted, sustainability has always been an upmost priority, or at least, it should’ve been; but, unfortunately, there are many things that needed to come into place before companies took the issue seriously.
For too long markets, governments and consumers have demanded of a system that is far from sustainable. However, the tables are turning, and regulatory bodies, public activism, and investment funds are pushing further away from this outdated model.
Engage employees in the sustainability strategy
Sustainability is now the trend, and it has taken a central stage in international relations as new regulations come in more and more demanding, employers struggle to find talent because of sustainability concerns, and companies fight for funding through improved ESG portfolios.
Here are a few reasons why ignoring sustainability is no longer an option for companies, and why its relevance will continue to grow and strengthen:
Regulations and reported accountability
The way we understand corporate sustianability is changing, and companies need to adapt in order to survive the ‘regulatory tsunami’ that is coming their way.
No longer will companies be able to lightly and vaguely report on things such as their carbon footprint, their journey towards net zero emissions, or their accountability for dodgy environmental and social practices.
The definitive end of greenwashing
Europe has began setting limitations and regulations on companies’ green claims, but social pressure puts an even bigger strain on misleading messages.
The public response to perceived greenwashing from business, whatever the industry, has intensified negatively. This is the result of a growing concern for climate change and how greenwashing actively diminishes such a legitimate concern.
Sustainability thrives through inflation
While it is true some consumers have reported switching certain eco-friendly products for cheaper and less sustainable ones as a result of the increasing cost of living, it is also true that most sustainable habits adopted in the last few years still remain intact.
Even as inflation puts more pressure onto consumers, a new report found that 4 out of 5 consumers will still be more likely to choose a brand or company with strong sustainable policies.
If we move away from consumption, we can see how individuals still care for things such as their plastic pollution, their energy and water usage, or their commitment to reducing waste. In other words, sustainability is still thriving and getting stronger through tougher times.
Guide to avoid greenwashing
Transform your company culture to become more sustainable
Employees, far from being indifferent from participation in sustainable efforts, look for the opportunity to be actively engaged and find purpose in having a positive impact through their jobs.
This is where sustainability softwares come into place, as a perfect tool to help employees, at all levels of the company understand and practice sustainability beyond the workplace.
In DoGood we believe that working collectively can help us find that which alone may seem unattainable or useless. That is why we think the workplace is the perfect environment to find that collective eagerness to make a difference, both for the sustainability and purpose of the company and a more sustainable way of being for all.
Through our technology we are able to activate and track employees’ impact, creating engagement that translates into improved ESG metrics, reputational value and an overall positive impact for the environment and society.
