Actions to reduce CO2. Raising the awareness of businesses and individuals

The commitment to reduce the ecological footprint is a hallmark for companies that, in addition, respond to the interests of their community, already committed to home recycling, sustainability… aware of the human and economic cost of delaying the measures implementation to reduce pollution emissions. Let us talk about actions to reduce CO2.

CO2 footprint reduction. The distinguishing feature for companies committed to the environment

Many companies, aware of climate change, study and implement measures to reduce CO2 emissions from their activity. And this also applies to their suppliers, so when subcontracting, they require committed employees for this purpose. Calculating and recording a company’s carbon footprint and taking action accordingly has many benefits, beyond the priority: saving society from the consequences of climate change. Because, in addition:

• It improves the environmental image before clients, public administration and society in general.
• It represents a significant saving in energy costs by improving energy efficiency.
• It promotes access to new markets.
• It opens up business opportunities and allows business diversification.
• Implementing renewable energy results in an extra benefit for the company.

In order to calculate the carbon footprint, it is necessary to classify the sources of emission and their coverage. This way we obtain direct emissions, released in the place where the activity takes place, as well as indirect emissions. These represent those not generated from sources controlled by the company or not under the control of the company. This category includes business travel. To reduce the CO2 of these trips, companies can count on Avikor and add advantages to their environmental CSR. Companies can use the Energy Transition Ministry’s guidance to calculate their carbon footprint. By registering it in the national registry they will obtain an accrediting certificate. In addition, they can obtain other Carbon Footprint certifications, such as ISO 14064 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) (which are for organizations) and ISO 14067 which is for services and products, among others. You can find them in certifiers like Aenor.

Consumer surveys: the need to unite corporate values and personal values for environmental well-being

There are reports that focus on generational trends and their environmental performance. For example, analytics companies Nielsen and GlobalWebindex agree that millennials are willing to pay more for green and sustainable products. Sensitivity to climate change reaches companies, their customers, institutions and society at large. From different positions and with various calls to action, these are the latest surveys that reveal it:

• «Green Response Report» by Essity. In this study we find the post-pandemic citizen profile: male, between 40 and 60 years old, resident in cities and with family. This Spanish guy is willing to spend up to 5% more on products and services that are more environmentally friendly and feels optimistic about the positive impact of his actions. One of the positive effects of the pandemic is that we have become more aware of the effects of our actions on the environment.
• «Our Planet», by Kantar Public. This survey was carried out in 10 countries, including Spain. In our country, despite the majority concern about climate change and its consequences, 4 out of 10 respondents believe that they do not really need to change their habits to preserve the environment. Meanwhile, 84% of the Spanish population would accept stricter environmental regulations to protect the planet. Incoherent?
• “Climate change. The big challenge for brands”, by Carat. Among its conclusions it appears that, although 65% of citizens believe that the government should be the leader in the fight against climate change, there is a 41% that approaches brands as an active part of this process that must move away from “greenwashing”. And it follows that they believe that brands must transmit credibility with their commitments, guaranteeing actions and continuity with these actions, beyond promises and awareness. Only 23% of respondents say they are already doing so, so there is room for improvement.
• “Meaningful Brands” by Havas Group. This report shows that 75% of consumers believe that companies should act now for the good of society and the planet, although they are very skeptical about the commitment to sustainable growth they are demanding from brands, even more so than from governments. The sectors where this population group seeks more that purpose are those of food and energy.

Citizens are part of change, although it is clear that conscience is not always an action synonymous and, when we talk about sustainability, it is inevitable to look at the two great groups that can and must also stimulate it: government agencies and businesses. “To the directors of the companies, I say: review their purpose and, if it is valid, give life to them by asking and remembering why they are doing what they are doing and why they are impacting on people’s lives” Andy Stalman (Mr. Branding).