We are at a crucial moment where every decision we make will shape the future of our planet. In this scenario, society as a whole has a great responsibility to develop ways of life that care for the environment.
The publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987 marked a turning point in our collective perception of sustainability. Titled Our Common Future, this document expanded the horizon of what we understood by sustainability, emphasizing its importance not only for environmental protection but also as an essential pillar for economic and social development. Since then, we have witnessed a global awakening in building a greener and fairer world, where businesses play an important role.
Currently, sustainability not only contributes to the health of our planet but also fosters a work environment that helps enhance the employee experience. This increases engagement and impacts aspects such as talent attraction and retention.
This article does not simply aim to explore sustainability as an abstract concept but to delve into the impact it can have when is integrated in our daily lives through the prism of our companies and workplaces. We will also explore the leading role of companies in making this world a better place, highlighting some of the most significant initiatives they have spearheaded.
Pillars of corporate sustainability
Companies can contribute to sustainability through various internal initiatives, in the economic, social, and environmental spheres.
Innovation and sustainable technology
One of the focus areas is sustainable innovation, which involves enhancing products, processes, and equipment to make them more efficient and durable for the future.
This innovation promotes three fundamental aspects of corporate sustainability: achieving carbon neutrality and zero waste, enhancing product circularity and reuse, and finally, boosting energy efficiency.
Three examples of companies committed to sustainable technology are Tesla, IKEA, and Amazon.
Tesla has communicated its focus on producing electric cars with efficient and durable batteries, aiming to reduce emissions and waste generation. On the other hand, IKEA positions itself to customers as a company that promotes circularity and reuse through initiatives such as the repurchase of used furniture, giving a second life to their products. Meanwhile, Amazon has established a Climate Pledge to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, investing in sustainable technologies and transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet, thereby acknowledging the strategic importance of sustainable practices in its business model.
Sustainable buildings: green architecture
On another note, companies are also considering the future at the level of physical infrastructure. Green architecture combines two qualities: buildings that are energy-efficient and the utilization of natural resources without incurring unnecessary expenses. In fact, the construction of sustainable offices and buildings does not imply higher costs for the organization; rather, they represent better structures with lower construction and maintenance costs.
In this context, is interesting to mention that 51% of the surface area of NTT DATA EMEAL offices is certified in sustainable buildings, and the Barcelona headquarter has obtained the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, being recognized as the most sustainable office in Europe.
Another example of this practice is Banco Santander, which holds LEED and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certifications. These certifications are two of the most globally recognized systems for assessing the sustainability of buildings.
Remote work and sustainability
Another noteworthy point is that of remote work or hybrid work. As demonstrated, this not only has a positive impact on better concentration, organization, and family/personal well-being but also presents environmental benefits. Among these, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased commuting and reduced use of office spaces.
On the other hand, remote work also facilitates the integration of workers residing in more “isolated” areas, providing them with greater employment opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Many companies are adopting this work model, as detailed in the following article. One example is Zoom, the American company that has chosen to combine remote work for at least two days with physical presence in the office, offering employees flexibility that suits their needs.
These examples represent just a few of the numerous initiatives that companies are undertaking on their journey towards sustainability. Each action makes a difference not only environmentally but also in corporate culture, improving social well-being, and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The corporate commitment to the outside world
So far, we have explored a variety of internal practices that companies are implementing to promote sustainability within their operations and corporate culture. Now, let’s delve into how companies, regardless of their size, go beyond their own corporate footprint through leadership in external projects.
Firstly, let’s examine some examples from global companies such as Microsoft, Adidas, and Starbucks.
Microsoft, through its All for Earth initiative, has supported over 500 sustainable projects in more than 80 countries, providing the use of its technology. Examples include the development of applications analyzing datasets to predict crop disease outbreaks, artificial intelligence systems monitoring forest health, and tools facilitating data collection on marine biodiversity.
On the other hand, Adidas collaborates with organizations like Parley for the Oceans, focusing on addressing ocean-related issues, such as plastic pollution. As part of this partnership, they have created sneakers using recycled plastic from the oceans. Additionally, this collaboration has driven education programs for ocean protection, including beach cleanups and awareness campaigns about the impact of plastic on marine ecosystems.
Lastly, Starbucks, in collaboration with Conservation International, a non-profit organization dedicated to nature protection and global biodiversity, has positively impacted the coffee industry through the Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices initiative. This collective effort has benefited over 400.000 farmers in more than 30 countries, contributing to the improvement of sustainable farming practices, living conditions in coffee communities, and the protection of natural resources in coffee-producing regions.
Secondly, let’s explore some examples of growing startups like Ecosia, Who Gives a Crap, and GiveMeTap.
Ecosia is a search engine that donates all its profits to non-profit organizations only focused on tree planting. To date, Ecosia has successfully planted millions of trees in over 20 countries, helping restore degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and provide new jobs in tree planting and maintenance activities to local communities.
On the other hand, Who Gives a Crap is a company that manufactures and sells recycled toilet paper, with a mission to improve access to sanitation in developing countries. It donates 50% of its profits to various collaborations that build sanitation facilities, promote hygiene, and improve conditions in vulnerable communities.
Finally, GiveMeTap sells reusable water bottles and, for every bottle sold, provides access to clean water for a person in Africa for 5 years. To date, it has supplied clean water to more than 116.000 people on the continent. Additionally, the company collaborates with projects to install water pumps in communities without access to safe water, having installed 126 pumps in three different countries so far.
As we have seen, all companies can contribute to a better world, each one leveraging its capabilities, regardless of the size.
In conclusion, sustainability in companies not only addresses global challenges but also enhances the employee experience by creating a more ethical and engaged work environment. Adopting sustainable practices strengthens the company’s identity, attracts employees aligned with those values, and improves job satisfaction, talent retention, and productivity. Therefore, sustainability is both an environmental responsibility and an opportunity to positively transform the work experience and strengthen the connection between employees and the company.
