Sustainability and Data

As businesses navigate an ever-changing landscape, sustainability is an imperative in the design for long-term success, public perception, talent attraction, and societal well-being. By integrating data-driven insights into their operations, businesses can not only identify areas for improvement but also create a powerful synergy between sustainability and data. In this blog post, we will explore how a data-driven approach can foster sustainable change within businesses, resulting in positive impacts on the environment and the bottom line.

By Abby Nives

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Step 1: Collecting the Right Data

To embark on the road of corporate responsibility and sustainability, start by knowing your numbers! Track outputs (e.g., CO2 emissions, energy, water, and plastic waste) from inputs (e.g., office space, manufacturing, deal-making). Consider these tracking methods for better environmental impact monitoring:

1. Track historical energy data: Track utility, energy, goods, and services bills and invoices to understand trends and patterns.

2. Analyze peak usage: Identify peak energy usage periods to optimize operations and implement energy-saving measures during these times.

3. Select an Appropriate Waste Tracking System: Look at the byproducts of the work you do. If you are manufacturing a product, where do the scraps go? If you are a retailer, where does the excess product go? How about packaging waste, medical waste, construction debris, electronic waste, and much more? Start by making a list of everything you use and use an application like those listed below to monitor it. This could range from simple spreadsheets or paper-based logs to more advanced waste management software or apps. 

4. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags: These automatically record waste data when the containers are scanned during collection.

1. Waste Management Software: One example is EcoTrack, a software designed to streamline waste tracking, reporting, and analysis.

2. Tracking Apps: WasteTracker, WasteWise, GreenBin, WasteMaster, etc.

3. Conduct waste audits: Assess the composition of waste and identify opportunities for waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

5. Water Consumption Evaluation: Install meters to monitor water consumption in different areas of your business, such as restrooms, kitchens, and manufacturing processes.

1. Identify leaks and inefficiencies in pipes

6. Measure emissions from transportation: Including employee commuting and product distribution.

1. Data on the fuel consumption of your company vehicles and equipment. Then calculate the total emissions produced by your company vehicles during a defined period. This includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.

2. Track Employee Commuting: Survey or collect data from employees to determine their commuting habits, such as the distance traveled and the mode of transportation used (e.g., car, public transit, bicycle).

3. Analyze Distribution and Logistics: Assess the transportation involved in product distribution and logistics. This may include trucks, ships, planes, or third-party transportation services.

7. Conduct the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI): Use the collected data to build a life cycle inventory, which quantifies the inputs and outputs of resources and emissions associated with each life cycle stage. SimaPro is a widely recognized and powerful LCA software.

Step 2: Sustainable Data-Driven Decision-Making For Increased Profitability:

Now it's time to transform this data into data-driven actions that tie directly to your bottom line:

1. Enhanced Brand Reputation: Showcase your commitment to sustainability, attract loyal customers, and gain a competitive edge.

2. Talent Attraction and Retention: Attract the best human capital while reducing turnover and recruitment costs.

3. Access to Green Markets and Incentives: Gain access to green markets and qualify for various incentives, grants, or tax credits that boost profitability.

4. Cost Savings through Energy Efficiency: Reduced utility costs as a result of tracking energy consumption and identifying peak usage periods.

5. Waste Reduction and Recycling Revenue: Gain lower disposal costs by minimizing waste generation while generating revenue or reducing the need to purchase new resources by updating your recycling practices. 

6. Transportation Optimization: Reduce fuel consumption, transportation costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, all while ensuring timely and efficient product distribution by analyzing transportation data. 

7. Improved Resource Efficiency: Reduce costs and improve resource efficiency by optimizing the consumption of resources such as water, raw materials, and office supplies. 

3. Building an Organizational Culture of Sustainability:

To drive lasting change, unify your company culture around sustainability initiatives:

• Inject sustainability into the mission of the company as a whole. Create a culture around doing business sustainably and being mindful of that during any deals that are made. 

• Hold company-wide information sessions about why this shift is important, and the relevance climate change has on their daily lives. Encourage employees to identify and share ideas for sustainable improvements.

• Share progress reports to impart a sense of excitement and accomplishment.

• Create company or department-wide competitions to see who can have the greatest impact and find a reward to give in alignment with your company's values.

• Organize company-wide competitions and offer rewards and employee recognitions to those with the most tangible impacts.

• Display signs and posters to remind employees of specific actions they can take. One example is to hang signs above sinks to be mindful of water waste or clearly labeled recycling vs. garbage bins. 

Takeaways:

By embracing sustainability and data-driven strategies, your business can make a tangible difference while enhancing reputation and profitability. Each small action adds up, and as business owners, you have the power to drive positive change and lead in sustainability. Let sustainability and data work together to shape a brighter and more responsible path for your business and the planet. Not sure where to start or need some extra hands to make all this a reality? Contact Sowen Impact Consultancy at info@sowen.co!