Corporate social Responsibility and Environmental issues

 Corporate Social Responsibility, the process of  integrating social and ecological values of business , has become one of the significant global standards of business. Experts refer to this concept as the ‘triple bottom line’-people,planet and profit.

Corporate Social Responsibility and ethics have garnered world-wide attention in the global economy, because of the collapse of Enron, the global financial crisis of 2008,through a corporate governance crisis and business ethics, the advent of international business trade , cause of concern for a sustainable future ,including global warming, climate change and ecosystem degradation and widening economic gaps among nations.

Development can be defined as eliminating poverty, unemployment and inequality.Sustainability is associated with satisfying a national economy’s needs for natural resources without compromising generations (Luke, 2013). Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (UN Brundtland Report, 1987). The concept of sustainable development has become widespread amongst governments, politicians, corporations and other organizations throughout the world. As a response to the challenge of sustainable development, corporations have shown a growing interest in integrating their efforts regarding management of environmental and social issues (Oskarsson & Malmborg, 2005).

 

Governments and other agencies grouped under the wing of United Nations,World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO),International Monetary Fund(IMF) have failed in their attempt to get rid of under-development.Large corporations and enterprises with their power and economic strength have taken a dominant position in economies assuming more power for development.

Today, the perception among  companies has changed, that success cannot be solely achieved through maximizing short-term profits.Now the growing importance of CSR and ethics on business success and its  positive impact on society is widely accepted by enterprises.

Sustainability as everyday CSR policy and practice includes environmental,social and economic  dimensions. Sustainability is as important as ever.

 We can be more sustainable as ever in our day to day lifestyle, such as zero-waste living and reducing our  carbon footprints. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we are facing as humans. Human activities over the past hundreds of years have caused us to come to a point of economic disaster.

Tips to avoid carbon-footprints. This can be inculcated in CSR activities .

What is a carbon footprint?

Carbon footprint: A measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s organization’s or nation’s activities. It is usually measured in tonnes of CO2e(carbon dioxide equivalent)

How do I know my carbon footprint is?

 Amazingly only 100 companies are responsible for 71% of all greenhouse emissions. Our actions and lifestyle have an impact on the environment.To understand our carbon footprint we need to check the key areas of our lifestyle.

1. Your home energy use and waste production.This is accountable in business as well.

a.Insulate your home

Heating your living-space can be an expensive and energy intensive option. By insulating places like your loft and walls,we can ensure homes retain heat,reducing energy and carbon footprints.

b.Investment in renewable energy

The depletion of natural resources by industrialization is no big secret. Big business is responsible for adding tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere yearly. Good news is CSR has taken a pledge to go carbon neutral with companies like Microsoft going carbon negative by 2030.

2. Improved Supply chain efficiency

This can reduce carbon footprint as well as increase ROI. In the supply chain the last mile delivery is where more emissions are. By moving towards a more electric transportation line we can reduce this. 

3. Invest in Renewable Energy

Now companies are providing more green tariffs.You could switch to a company that provides solar,hydroelectric ,wind, and even install solar panels to reduce energy.

     4. Buy energy efficient

        Buy energy saving bulbs with a high energy saving rating.

        Make sure to turn-off and unplug anything you are not using.

     5. Use less water

         Try turning off the taps when brushing your teeth, having short  

          showers and only try to boil the necessary water you need.

    6. Change your diet

         The food we eat can have a lot of impact on the environment.

         Shop for locally sourced food.

       How to reduce carbon footprint at work

      7. Reducing Packaging waste

         In the food and personal goods sector companies,they are   

        making  changes  to packaging. Plastics are replaced by glass, 

         recycled plastic and aggregates.

   8.Mindful water consumption in offices.

      Large corporation such as Johnson & Johnson have taken steps in 

      Identifying their water footprint. Measuring water consumption is     

      the first step in  reducing waste. You may also invest in a quality  

      water filter in your office to put your employee health at the 

     forefront.  

    

9.Environmentally conscious construction

 Construction companies should pay close attention to how the infrastructure impacts the environment. Most of the well known companies are investing in LEED certification.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a third-party verification that improves upon water usage, energy efficiency, emission reduction and attention to the overall ecological impact. They should also consider green spaces.This increases sustainability and employee mood. Companies must offer more work from home and hybrid opportunities since they have been the norm from 2020.

10. Go digital, cycle to work(consider an e-bike), Reduce, reuse, recycle, Eliminate single-use plastic.

 11.Innovative Technology   

     Eco-innovation, the process of using technology for sustainable processes plays an important role in identifying energy alternatives.

   

Hopefully,  after reading about all these forward thinking initiatives ·         you’re thinking about things to do that could make your city, town, or country more sustainable, too. Remember that all efforts can start as small attempts and become larger over time.