As you know, our current administration is walking back many of the environmental protections put into place by previous leaders. It’s become clear that since our top officials don’t place a high priority on the health of our planet (and by extension, humankind), it’s up to the rest of us to protect our common home. Businesses, as good corporate citizens, must lead the way.
Indeed, they’re already doing so. We’ve seen how the private sector can put pressure on the public sphere to make changes. Environmental protection is no exception: businesses can make a difference by being examples to other organizations and individuals, communicating the ways they’re working to be environmentally conscious, and using their influence in elections and with the government.
We’ve already seen businesses step in, and many of the efforts started before the current administration. According to Edelman, a global communications firm:
Over the last year, the U.S. reduced its emissions by 3 percent without Paris and the Clean Power Plan because large power companies like American Electric Power have already reduced coal operations and confirmed long-term investment strategies for natural gas, wind and solar — in part because they believe that long-term carbon constraints are inevitable. In addition, large energy consumers like tech companies from Salesforce to Facebook have made net-zero targets on greenhouse gas emissions and goals to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
Additionally, since the United States’ participation in the Paris Agreement is unclear, many businesses have stepped forward and signed an open letter urging the administration to keep our commitment. Major companies like Coca-Cola, Apple, Bank of America, Dow, Google, Intel, Tesla, and Unilever are just a sample of businesses who are committed to energy efficiency and signed the letter.
Setting an Energy-Efficient Example
By taking the steps necessary for business energy efficiency, business owners show their priorities extend beyond their bottom line. Something business owners should be interested in demonstrating, as 75% of respondents in a recent survey indicated that they expect businesses to make money AND improve society. This example shows both consumers and other businesses that the future of our environment is not something to be taken lightly, regardless of who’s in power in Washington. Those leaders will keep changing, but if businesses commit to their own energy efficiency, the effects of those changes will hopefully be minimized.
By demonstrating a willingness to make energy efficiency a priority, your business shows both consumers and other businesses that the future of our environment is not something to be taken lightly, regardless of who’s in power in Washington. Those leaders will keep changing, but if businesses commit to their own energy efficiency, the effects of those changes will hopefully be minimized.
The same survey cited above found that “The most credible spokesperson is now ‘a person like yourself,’ speaking on a peer-to-peer basis on the basis of shared interests and values.” For example, another business owner showing (and telling) about their commitment and its benefits is the best way to get other businesses on board.
Telling Your Business Energy Efficiency Story
It’s not enough, though, for businesses to do their work internally. Many of the efforts and policies put in place to protect the environment aren’t visible to customers, the public, or even your own staff. That’s why businesses have to put an effort into communicating the work they’re doing. (We’ve written about that before, learn more here.)
The Paris Agreement coming into the news cycle is a great reason for you to engage with your staff and community on the issue. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell the world about your good works, bring positive attention to your business, and inspire your peers.
Using Your Influence in the Public Sphere
Finally, businesses, though they can’t vote, hold significant influence in the public sphere. There’s an opportunity for business to educate their customers, fellow business owners, and policymakers in their areas. By telling their stories and encouraging policies that other businesses can adhere to, these businesses and leaders can make a big impact on prioritizing the environment. Like the open letter signed by a number of influential CEOs and individual businesses publicizing their commitments, your business can make a difference.
Not only will building an energy efficient business improve your bottom line, it makes a huge impact on how customers and your own employees view your company. Want to make a difference in leading your community in energy efficiency? Great! Take a look around this site for resources on how you can get started.
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