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Big companies that are going green

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Andrew

It may seem surprising but many huge companies that command respect worldwide have been working on a green agenda for some time, some for many decades. If your view of big business is less than positive – and let’s face it, many of them do appear to be dedicated to making as much money as possible with no thought to the environmental consequences – then you wouldn’t be on your own.

Fortunately, there is much more awareness from large corporations as to how their operations affect both the local and the wider environment, and the number of companies that are practising eco-friendly ways of working is on the up.

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Why go green?

The world grapples with finite resources while contending with the detrimental impact of widespread pollution on the environment and all living beings. Among the most pressing concerns is pollution stemming from energy consumption, where extensive use of coal results in billowing plumes of smog blanketing major cities. Renewable energy sources, while still relatively costly, are increasingly integrated into many companies’ energy portfolios, harnessing the power of solar and wind to mitigate environmental harm. Timber usage presents a similar challenge. It’s a fundamental resource for construction and various industries, but countries have learned the hard way that failing to replenish the trees they harvest leads to depletion.

Environmentally conscious companies recognize this and opt for sustainable alternatives. Taking a page from their playbook, you too can embrace sustainable practices within your business, potentially reducing costs and lessening your environmental impact. This shift can also garner positive public relations and commendation from customers. If needed, consider collaborating with a company offering sustainability consultancy Australia, or in your vicinity, as it can provide expert guidance and facilitate your business’s transition toward greater sustainability. This demonstrates a commitment not only to your business’s success but also to the well-being of the planet we all share.

How to go green?

Businesses can adopt environmentally friendly practices by transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and investing in sustainable timber harvesting. They can also engage in London Eco-Cleaning by Green Facilities or similar services in their area and invest in sustainable infrastructure with regard to their office spaces and technology. Moreover, they can explore support from green banks, which are financial institutions that specialize in climate financing and green investments. Green banks can assist businesses in covering the upfront costs associated with transitioning to renewable energy and funding other environmentally conscious projects.

However, there have been recent concerns regarding the future of green banks, as some businesses have been hesitant to pursue sustainable transformations, leading to challenges for banks that solely prioritize financing sustainable projects. An example of such a situation can be found in the article “The Sad Closure of Ando Money” available at https://www.joinatmos.com/blog/the-sad-closure-of-ando-money. Despite these setbacks, it is important to note that green banking remains a viable option for businesses committed to long-term sustainability.

Resource sustainability

If you run out of milk, you go to the shop to get some more. That’s as long as it’s available. You take food for granted, though hundreds of millions throughout the world can’t. If energy supplies run low and there are power cuts, then it’s time to think about how essential resources can be sustained. Let’s take a look at one or two companies that have a green outlook.

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IKEA

This iconic Swedish company, which is very well known in the UK and many other countries worldwide, uses – and has done for many years – sustainable forestry techniques as well as only selling energy-efficient lighting.

M1 Group

Based in Lebanon, this successful conglomerate has interests in many business areas, including construction, fashion and real estate. It looks to put its investments into areas that will advance green agendas. An interview with Najib Mikati, who founded the company and is a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, gives his perspective on aspects of bringing people together in difficult circumstances.

BT

British Telecom is committed to cutting its carbon emissions by up to 80% by 2016, as well as investing significantly in wind farm technology. The company has also introduced video conferencing and flexible working for employees so that travel can be cut down, reducing pollution from cars.

The way forward

If they wanted to, every large company could move towards green practices. Those that have are already contributing to lessening pollution and the consequences for climate change. Those that haven’t might just want to reconsider.

Tip of the Day

If It Doesn’t Smell, Don’t Wash It

According to Real Simple, if every American made an effort to launder less — cutting out just one load of laundry a week per household — we’d save enough water to fill seven million swimming pools each year.

So if it looks clean, and it smells clean, call it clean and wear it again. Consider hanging worn clothes out on your clothesline to freshen them up between wearings

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