Be part of the change: how to activate the ‘E’ in ESG

ESG: The key to a sustainable future

Corporate sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant in today's business landscape, even generating a competitive advantage for the business while positively impacting society and our environment. To achieve this, it is essential to consider our stakeholders and incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into our business strategy.

In recent years, international treaties and various European regulations (European Green Pact, Fitfor55, Biodiversity Strategy 2030, etc.) have meant that one of the factors that has become more relevant within corporate sustainability strategies has been the environmental aspect, known as the ‘E’ of ESG (‘Environmental’, ‘Social “and ”Governance’), which refers to the way in which a company or organisation addresses environmental challenges.

This includes several areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resource conservation, energy efficiency and the implementation of sustainable environmental practices throughout the organisation's value chain.

Measurable targets: The key to activation

The first step for an organisation to address environmental challenges is to set and define targets and corresponding indicators. In order to improve, it is essential to have reliable data and, above all, an accurate picture of our current starting situation. If we do not know our environmental impact, we will not be able to mitigate it.

How can we quantify it?

1. Carbon footprint: the method par excellence to quantify GHG emissions.

The carbon footprint corresponds to the calculation of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a product, a service, an event or a company. It is the most widely used indicator when we talk about corporate environmental sustainability, as it allows us to analyse how an organisation contributes to climate change and, from there, to propose initiatives and improvements in its operation that allow us to reduce this contribution.

2. Life Cycle Assessment: a tool for quantifying environmental impact

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that allows us to quantify various types of environmental impacts, not only carbon dioxide emissions. So, for example, it allows us to analyse water scarcity, natural resource use, environmental acidification, etc. of a product, process or system throughout its entire life cycle. Organisations often use this tool to analyse the environmental impact of their products in order to subsequently reduce their environmental impact through eco-design strategies.

Advantages of being environmentally proactive

Activating the environmental branch within a corporate sustainability strategy allows the company a series of benefits that go beyond simply complying with regulatory obligations. It reduces risks and operating costs, improves the company's reputation and contributes to long-term sustainable development.

How can Grup Carles help you?

At Grup Carles we accompany our clients throughout the entire process of integrating corporate sustainability into their companies: from the initial analysis of their sustainability situation, to the formulation and implementation of strategies and solutions aimed at improving and strengthening their performance in this area.

This integration process, as we have seen, requires a correct quantification of the starting point of the company, which from an environmental point of view, is articulated through tools such as carbon footprint or life cycle analysis and, from here, several measures are proposed to reduce the environmental impacts detected. At Grup Carles we are committed and qualified to help you, both to carry out this quantification and to determine which initiatives to implement may be appropriate to reduce your environmental impact.

Contact us today to start your journey towards corporate sustainability.