Sustainability in focus

essential part of any business Why sustainability is now an strategy, and not an option

Choice is a fine thing when it comes to encouraging environmentally friendly shopping habits

By VICTORIA BROCKLESBY OVER the past decade, there has been a fundamental shift in the way consumers choose between suppliers, brands and products.

Today, shoppers want brands to help them be more environmentally friendly, according to Forbes, and 60 percent of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods.

The trend for seeking out the eco-friendly option is set to rise, with 70 percent of Millennials saying they would choose a sustainable option over the alternative, according to an international poll by Nielson.

This knowledge brings a

Improving

carbon

footprint

has enabled

expansion

new world of opportunity for savvy businesses to use their eco awareness as a means to rise above the competition. UK door and window manufacturer Origin is just one company whose focus on improving its carbon footprint has positively impacted the tender process, helped to win big contracts, and is now a key part of annual reports.

Danone, for example, is urging its customers to join the “food revolution” and adopt healthier, more sustainable eating and drinking habits. IKEA has more than 700,000 solar panels powering its stores, while Carlsberg is developing a range of beer “bottles” made from paper.

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination; small changes can have the biggest impact. It’s an accumulation of small changes that make a significant difference. A useful starting point is to evaluate suppliers and select those

Solar power is one of the changes that can have a real impact on our environmental footprint

that share the same sustainability values. Reducing packaging is essectial to cutting back on plastic waste. Reviewing delivery routes and letting suppliers know when drivers will be passing depots allows collection of goods, rather than awaiting delivery, can save fuel and time. It can help to build better business relationships, too. Electric vehicles are becoming a must for those with big fleets. Fuel emissions have been linked to higher incidents of asthma, cancer and dementia.

By adapting operations, effects trickle down to employees and beyond, having a positive impact on relationships and reputations. Origin is considering switching all delivery vans and lorries to electric and has undertaken a digital transformation to reduce the number of air miles travelled by senior members of the leadership team.

Overseas flights

have been cut

by 36 percent

Microsoft Teams has been integrated across the entire business to strengthen communications between the locations without the need for travel.

As a result, overseas flights have been cut by 36 percent; Origin plans to further reduce that by 15 percent in 2020.

It has also reduced fuel consumption by introducing routing software to fleet and logistics vehicles to reduce mileage. Accreditations such as ISO 14001 — achieved by Origin — are a win-win, useful as a guide to meet sustainability targets and reduce the carbon footprint and a seal of approval for consumers. Follow leaders who inspire you, find out what others are doing, and never stop fuelling a drive to improve your eco credentials. better.

* Victoris Brocklesby is co-founder and COO at Origin. She is leading the charge for Origin to be carbon-neutral by 2020.

* Share your sustainability story with BV. Contact us at info@ bv.world