Adopting strategies to become net zero can be complex and it’s imperative that businesses remain compliant with legal frameworks during their transition.
As well as remaining transparent among stakeholders, employees and clients, businesses should also proactively seek out sustainable practices and solutions while adhering to policies and regulatory procedures.
Understanding net zero regulatory frameworks
Although some key policies are in the hands of the government, such as banning the sale of new diesel and petrol cars, others, such as promoting sustainable aviation fuel, increasing the creation of woodlands and providing incentives to invest in clean energy, are not legally binding.
However, the Energy Act is a parliamentary bill that provides a legal framework to businesses in the energy sector that regulates the market, sets out environmental guidance and ensures protection for energy customers.
Some businesses might think about consulting ESG experts to assist with the energy transition to ensure compliance and cost effectiveness.
Assessing and reporting carbon footprint
When businesses report their carbon footprint, it’s crucial to ensure they remain transparent in their results. With the importance of ESG increasing, companies are under pressure to be sustainable and environmentally friendly.
It’s imperative that companies strive to engage with their clients and stakeholders and increase performance through trust, transparency and accountability. By setting out goals relating to carbon footprint and sustainability, business culture is likely to remain collaborative and forward-thinking, fostering increased trust among key partners and clients.
Failing to disclose results could lead to mistrust, reduced performance and a damaged reputation, particularly when there is increasing competition to abide by sustainability guidelines.
Incorporating circular economy principles
This includes using recycled materials, refurbishing and repairing to eliminate waste and environmental pollution. Businesses can address environmental concerns and create in-house solutions that abide by circular economy principles. They can also work in partnership with other businesses as part of a wider solution to help reduce waste on a larger scale.
To work with this model, companies should create new ways of operating, design new, sustainable products and packaging and consider temporary constructions to avoid unnecessary waste.
Engagement and training
A businesses’ goals are worthless if employees, customers and investors are unaware of or unwilling to contribute to their sustainability solutions. Employee training is vital to create a culture of collaboration and companies should give their staff opportunities to contribute to ideas and strategies.
There should be efficient training programmes and ongoing reporting to show how the business is meeting their targets and continual engagement with employees including feedback and open communication.
Finally, adopting net zero solutions and strategies can even pave the way for job opportunities within the ESG sector, driving performance and growth within sectors.
