Q&A
UN definition 'Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs' Which essentially means promoting the support of preserving life on planet earth for 'future viability'.
The three aspects of sustainability are related to environment, economy and society. All of these pillars intersect and directly or indirectly impact one another.
It's important to consider everything from water, waste to human working conditions and diversity and inclusion when talking about sustainability.
Carbon footprint or Greenhouse Gas Footprint is a calculated value or index that makes it possible to compare the total amount of greenhouse gases that an activity, product, company or country adds to the atmosphere. Carbon Footprints are usually reported in tonnes of emissions per unit of comparison.
The Green House Gas (GHG) protocol defines Scope (direct emissions), Scope 2 (Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat and cooling consumed by an organisation). Scope 3 Indirect emissions as a result of activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.
Environmental, social and Governance (ESG) is a framework that helps investors evaluate how a company manages risk and opportunity around sustainability issues.
Whilst ESG and Sustainability are concerned with the same factors environment, social and governance. Sustainability is a principle and broader term that promotes responsible and ethical business practices. Whereas ESG is the frameworks to monitor and measure a company's performance, it's specific and measurable.
Ultimately we only have finite resources on this planet, so it is 'the right thing to do' to protect the planet for future generations. Also a purpose driven organisation attracts and retains the best talent, new customers, viewing your business through a sustainability lense helps drive efficiencies and cut costs whilst lessening your business impact on the planet. Read our business case for Sustainability Blog for a deep dive.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding internation treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21) Paris , 2015. The Paris Agreement | UNFCCC
Its overarching goal is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a vision for a sustainable future, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015.
This landmark document is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were set as the UN’s policy objectives for the year 2030. The SDGs span economic, social and environmental considerations, with the overarching goal of eradicating poverty and hunger globally.
What is meant by a 'Green Economy'?
It’s defined as low carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive by the UN Environment Programme, where public and private investments go into assets and infrastructure that work to reduce emissions, pollution and biodiversity loss, and to enhance energy and resource efficiency.
Environmental Management System is a framework which empowers organisations to manage its ecological footprint.
Prevalent EMS frameworks: ISO14001; EMAS Eco-Management and Audit Scheme; ISO14005
Over 5000 companies globally have joined the Science Based Targets Initiative, which is a global effort that enables businesses to set ambitious carbon reduction targets in line with the latest climate science.
The UK was the G20 country to enshrine in law for its largest companies to report on climate-related risks and opportunities. This currently applies to private companies, banks and insurers with over 500 employees and £500million turnover.