INVESTING IN NATURE TO ACCELERATE POSITIVE IMPACT

The challenges and rewards for businesses (in partnership with Earthly)

There is a recurring theme in sustainability across all industries and sectors: businesses feel the pressure from their customers, employees, and partners to take steps to reach ESG goals – but they are overwhelmed by the challenge.

While there is an urgency to act, there is also a fear of taking missteps that do more harm than good. But the answer cannot be to do nothing. It’s critical that businesses strike a balance by implementing sustainability initiatives that align with effective commercial strategies.

Challenges
1. Dealing with scepticism
2. Avoiding greenwashing
3. Finding the sweet spot between relevant projects and high impact
4. Measurement and demonstrating the difference the initiatives are making – holding yourself accountableRewards
1. Taking stakeholders on the journey with you and getting them to engage
2. The more you do/give, the more results you get, and the more you’ll want to do – virtual cycle
3. Pride and trust in the organisation – good reputation as employer
4. Helps with attracting clients and building a positive relationship with them themGetting started
1. Educate yourself and your team
2. No one becomes an expert overnight, so select trusted partners to help guide you
3. Begin creating a realistic plan and make commitments to hold the business accountable
4. Commit to an operational roadmap
5. Set realistic expectations. It takes time but getting going is the first step. Involve your entire organisation and prioritise the impact that matters most to your employees
6. It’s not a competition! Learn from your competitors so you avoid common mistakes!