What this post is about
- Understand CO₂ neutrality
- Analyze business processes and ask detailed questions
- Test ideas and concepts for feasibility
- Share climate strategy and measures with colleagues
Sustainable business and the reduction of unnecessary CO₂ emissions are part of modern business management. However, it is also part of the truth that companies can make their contribution to a greener environment in very different ways during ongoing operations. Blind actionism designed to briefly set an example for CO₂-neutral awareness is the wrong approach here!
The MRO (Measure-Reduce-Offset) method must be used to develop a plan that makes verifiable changes visible in the long term. In doing so, you should conscientiously check the necessary steps against your needs and structures.
Step 1: Record CO₂ Balance (Measure).
Before you make plans to put your company on a sustainable path, you need to take stock of the current situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the current balance?
- What are the major energy drivers in the company?
- How is the company currently managed?
- Which cost centers are causing the highest expenses?
These initial answers will give you a detailed overview of all the factors and processes that are essential to day-to-day operations. In doing so, be as honest as possible and avoid devaluing or minimizing facts.
"Greenwashing" can quickly creep into planning, with significant environmental sins getting the classic "it's not that bad" seal of approval. Taking stock requires actual facts in order to achieve real success in terms of CO₂-neutrality.
Step 2: Simulate Implementation (Reduce).
The inventory is followed by the development of new ideas and alternatives for the current process and work steps, as well as resource issues. Illuminate all areas and address internal as well as external interfaces.
From reducing the vehicle fleet to business travel, remodeling office space, and switching electricity providers: subject all points to close scrutiny and develop initial approaches for CO₂-saving alternatives.
To find out whether the theoretical constructs prove economical, you now need to calculate the cost- and energy-saving CO₂ savings. Not all ideas will come up with a satisfactory result, because the interplay of effort, effect, and result must achieve a positive consequence in all areas.
Ideas that are more expensive to invest in and have only a minimal effect are useless. On the other way around, a larger investment can be accepted if it has a positive effect in the long term.
Step 3: Develop A Climate Strategy (Offset)
Record the results of your comparison of current processes and new plans. First, discuss in a small group which approaches should be pursued and draw up a list of priorities. Trying to implement all measures at the same time can lead to excessive demands and cause chaos right from the start. Take one step at a time!
Transparent communication is essential to ensure that the entire workforce understands the new climate strategy in its entirety. Make it clear why it is worth making an adjustment and provide a guide for orientation and as part of the knowledge base (for example, here in Zammad).
Give your colleagues time to adjust to the greener future and integrate it into everyday life. It takes persistence to see success. Your guide serves as a recommendation for alternative processes and behaviors.
Those who merely publish a consequence-rich set of rules will face strong headwinds. In contrast, the regular comparison of new CO₂-neutral measures and the positive outlook on future profitability motivates employees to support implementation and tackle it consistently.
Summary
The path to greener business requires openness and the courage to change! Be aware that the transformation to a CO₂-neutral organization will not be a walk in the park. However, it is undisputed that the journey is worthwhile and will ultimately have an impact on the long-term existence of your company. After all, you don't want to engage in green image politics.