Week 11: Going beyond for the environment
We are living on a planet in crisis – from hotter temperatures, droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and changing rainfall patterns. It’s clear climate change and ecological breakdown pose an overwhelming challenge to all life on Earth.
Climate change isn’t open for debate. 97% of scientists who study earth's climate agree that the planet is warming and that humans are the primary cause. Climate risk affects 68 of 77 industry categories. 1.2 billion people could be displaced globally by 2050 due to climate change and natural disasters.
The scientific community has agreed that a 1.5°C increase in average global temperature is the ‘safe’ limit for our planet and its inhabitants. At the current trajectory, it is estimated we will reach this ‘safe limit’ as early as 2030.
But we are optimistic about our future. We believe that business has a responsibility to the planet and that positive business leadership is imperative.
Decisions made that prioritise short financial returns are often at the expense of people, communities and the natural world. It is imperative for businesses to demonstrate leadership in eliminating emissions and advocate for the policy changes necessary that will drive meaningful climate action, as well as the culture of shareholder primacy.
Climate justice recognizes that those who are least responsible for climate change are more likely to suffer its gravest consequences. It means advancing climate solutions that link human rights and development in a human-centred approach.
B Corps meet the high standards of environmental performance needed as we face this challenge.
The Environment section is one of 5 impact areas in the B Impact Assessment. With planet-friendly practices and environmental initiatives, B Corps consider the impact of their everyday footprint, including energy usage, materials, facilities, supply chain, and more.
B Corps must also sign a Declaration of Interdependence stating the belief "That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered… and thus we are responsible for each other and future generations." All B Corps make a legal commitment to conduct business with consideration for the environment and all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Case studies:
igloo Regeneration Ltd
igloo is a responsible real estate business. As a purpose driven developer, funder and investor, igloo works with communities, local authorities and investors who want to make better places. Using the Footprint approach – igloo’s internationally recognised sustainable investment methodology – all stakeholders’ aspirations are bound into the fabric of every project igloo takes on. Recent projects include, The Pioneer, a 100,000 sq ft climate postive office landmark development in Newcastle. The design has a core focus on wellbeing, maximising natural light and providing access to outdoor terrace spaces on every floor.
Journeys With Purpose
Journeys With Purpose believes that by being immersed in the natural world, we become motivated to protect it. Through hosted experiences with pioneering conservationists, guests gain experience with the rewilding and restoration of biodiversity, in the wildest corners of the planet. Each journey signifies travel as a force for good, channelling funding to the programme, while engaging the local communities and raising awareness of the importance of wild nature. Upcoming trips include travelling to the Iberá Wetlands in Argentina and visiting Africa’s Great Karoo to support a cheetah reintroduction programme.
Anglia Print
Anglia Print is a B Corp printing company in the UK. Not only is it a B Corp, it’s the only UK printing company to retain Eco Management and Audit Scheme registration and has been applauded by Greenpeace for its array of certifications and schemes that facilitate strong environmental practice. Some of its initiatives include sourcing from local services and suppliers, using electricity on a 100% renewables tariff, and having a robust framework in place to measure, monitor and reduce its emissions.
Take action:
To take the first action in becoming a B Corp, create an account on the B Impact Assessment and start our free training course, ‘Behind the B: An introductory guide to the B Corp movement’, which will delve into the different ways the B Impact Assessment can help your business measure and improve its environmental impact.
For individuals:
How many of the organisations that you buy from regularly show clear environmental leadership? Are there products or services that you could easily replace with those offered by a company that does?
A note on this months actions:
‘Go Beyond’ is a 4-part article series, exploring the ways people within a business can use their own influence to make meaningful changes in their everyday life. Drawing on tools and stories from across the B Corp movement, the series will explore how we can all go beyond expectations to make a positive mark on the world.