Implementing and measuring sustainabilty in organizations and platform businesses.

Implementing sustainabilty in organizations - The main benefits

Sustainability can benefit organizations in a variety of ways:

1. Cost savings:

Sustainability programs can assist firms in reducing their energy, water, and material usage, which can result in long-term cost savings. Investing in energy-efficient equipment, for example, can reduce energy expenses, while minimizing water usage can result in lower water bills. Cost savings can assist businesses in becoming more financially solid and robust.

2. Improved brand reputation:

As consumers and investors become more concerned about environmental and social issues, firms that embrace sustainability can strengthen their reputation among stakeholders. A positive brand reputation can result in enhanced consumer loyalty, increased employee morale, and improved relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders.

3. Innovation and competitiveness:

Sustainability may fuel innovation and assist firms in staying ahead of their competition. Developing more sustainable products or services, for example, might assist firms in differentiating themselves in the market and attracting environmentally concerned clients. Employees are encouraged to develop new ways to lessen the organization’s environmental effect, which can stimulate internal innovation.

4. Employee engagement and retention:

Employees are increasingly seeking out employers that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, organizations can attract and retain talented employees who share these values. This can lead to higher employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.

To conclude,

Sustainability can improve the well-being of organizations by driving cost savings, enhancing their brand reputation, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and improving employee engagement and retention.

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mdpi.com%2F2071-1050%2F8%2F3%2F232&psig=AOvVaw2oULcmwqygXxRgGR4zAr-k&ust=1681905309285000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCJjojOq6s_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Implementing sustainability in platform and networked businesses - The main benefits

Sustainability can benefit platform and networked businesses in numerous ways:

1. Efficiency of resources:

Platform and networked businesses rely on digital technologies to facilitate user transactions and interactions. These companies can lower their energy use and carbon impact by optimizing their digital infrastructure. They can, for example, use renewable energy sources, energy-efficient servers, and efficient cooling systems in their data centers.

2. Circular economy:

Platform and networked firms can play a role in advancing circular economy principles such as waste reduction and resource optimization. They can, for example, encourage users to recycle and reuse products, or they can promote the sharing economy model, which allows users to access goods and services without owning them.

3. Social impact:

Platforms and networked businesses can leverage their reach and influence to promote and address social causes and challenges. They can, for example, collaborate with non-profit organizations to assist social and environmental efforts, or they can implement inclusive policies that promote diversity and equality.

4. Collaboration:

Platform and networked businesses can work together to exchange best practices and create industry-wide change. They can, for example, join industry alliances to promote sustainable practices and standards, or they can collaborate with supply chain partners to lessen their overall environmental effect.

5. Innovation and competitiveness:

Sustainability can fuel innovation and help platform and networked firms stay ahead of their competitors. For example, they can design new features and functions that encourage sustainability and social impact, or they can cooperate with other businesses and organizations to create new business models that address social and environmental challenges.

To conclude,

Overall, sustainability can improve the well-being of platform and networked businesses by promoting circular economy principles, addressing social issues, fostering collaboration, driving innovation and competitiveness, and attracting environmentally and socially conscious users and stakeholders.

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.semanticscholar.org%2Fpaper%2FSustainable-Business-Model-Based-on-Digital-Twin-in-Li-Cao%2F85aef2e9933cbe6d6586b493d52870d68e50c403&psig=AOvVaw1A00Mnef5z8mJHNp-j7P7L&ust=1681906599653000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqGAoTCNCqlb20s_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABDRAQ

Measuring and using analytics in a sustanability context

Analytics can be an effective tool for monitoring and improving sustainability in a variety of settings.

Here are some examples of how analytics can be utilized in the context of sustainability:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment:

Analytics can be used to examine an organization’s, product’s, or service’s environmental impact. Organizations can identify areas for improvement and set targets for decreasing their environmental effect by examining data on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and trash generation.

2. Life Cycle Assessment:

Analytics can be used to undertake a life cycle assessment of products and services, which can help discover ways to lessen their environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Organizations can identify hotspots and develop plans for decreasing their environmental effect by examining data on raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, consumption, and disposal.

3. Supply Chain Management:

Analytics can be used to analyze and improve supply chain sustainability. Organizations can identify high-risk suppliers and engage with them to improve their environmental and social policies by examining data on supplier performance.

4. Energy Management:

Analytics can be utilized to optimize energy consumption and lower energy costs. Organizations can find areas for improvement, such as energy-efficient equipment, lighting, and HVAC systems, by examining data on energy consumption.

5. Sustainability Reporting:

Analytics can be used to track and report on sustainability performance. Organizations can generate complete sustainability reports that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by analyzing data on sustainability indicators such as carbon emissions, water usage, and trash generation.

To conclude,

Analytics may assist firms in identifying opportunities to enhance their sustainability performance, setting goals and tracking progress, and communicating their efforts to stakeholders.

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgreen.harvard.edu%2Fsustainability-data-hub&psig=AOvVaw2nf8q49kVvOzs3bGBIUuSY&ust=1681907758103000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCIi-_ee7s_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

The Urgent Need for Climate Action: How You Can Make a Difference

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet today, and the need for urgent action to address it is increasingly apparent. The United Nations has recognized this need by including Goal 13: Climate Action as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This goal aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, and individuals can play an important role in achieving it.

One of the most significant ways that individuals can contribute to achieving Goal 13 is by reducing their carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. By reducing carbon emissions, individuals can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. One simple way is to use public transportation or bike instead of driving a car. Cars are a major source of carbon emissions, and reducing car use can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Eating a plant-based diet is another way to reduce your carbon footprint since animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. You can also reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use and by reducing your water consumption.

Another way to help achieve Goal 13 is to support renewable energy. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions. You can support renewable energy by installing solar panels or wind turbines to generate your own electricity or by purchasing renewable energy credits to support renewable energy projects.

Planting trees is another way to help combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Planting trees can help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. You can plant trees in your yard or support reforestation initiatives.

Governments play a crucial role in addressing climate change by implementing policies that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. As an individual, you can advocate for climate policies by contacting your representatives, signing petitions, and supporting political candidates who prioritize climate action.

In addition to these actions, the United Nations has also created an app called “Act Now” to help individuals take action on climate change. The app provides users with simple everyday actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint, such as taking shorter showers, turning off lights when leaving a room, and reducing meat consumption. The app also allows users to track their progress and share their actions on social media to inspire others.

Finally, supporting sustainable businesses can help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. You can support sustainable businesses by purchasing products made from sustainable materials, supporting companies with sustainable practices, and reducing your consumption overall.

In conclusion, individuals can make a significant impact on achieving Goal 13: Climate Action by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, planting trees, advocating for climate policies, using the UN’s “Act Now” app, and supporting sustainable businesses. By taking action in these areas, we can all play a part in addressing the urgent challenge of climate change and securing a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Source: Act Now | United Nations

Compost for the Earth: Step-By-Step Guide

By: Haya Sultan

Composting is like a magic trick that turns your food scraps into super-powerful soil! It’s not just for gardeners, though – it’s a cool way to cut down on waste and give your plants a serious boost. Plus, you’ll feel like a total eco-warrior!

Why should I? Wrong question.

Why shouldn’t I? Bingo.

Did you know that EEA estimated 180KG of food wasted per person each year? Crazy, right? And when that food waste sits in landfills, it releases a gas called methane, which is a big contributor to climate change. But if you compost your food waste, you can stop that methane from forming and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, the compost you create can be used to help plants grow and absorb carbon from the atmosphere, which is a win-win for you and the planet!

How to Compost Food Waste?

Here’s a simplified guide on how to compost food waste:

1. Choose a Composting Method

There are several composting methods to choose from, including:

- Outdoor Composting: This involves creating a compost pile or bin in your yard.

- Indoor Composting: This involves using a worm bin to compost food waste inside your home.

1. Collect Food Waste

Collect food waste in a compost container. You can use a small bucket or bin with a lid to collect food waste inside your home. Collect food waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, and nutshells.

1. Add Brown Materials

Composting requires a balance of brown materials, such as dried leaves or shredded newspaper, and green materials, such as food waste. Add a layer of brown materials to your compost bin after adding food waste.

1. Turn the Compost

To ensure even decomposition, turn the compost pile every few weeks. This will help mix the brown and green materials and add oxygen to the pile, which is essential for decomposition.

1. Harvest the Compost

Once the compost has turned into a dark, crumbly soil, it’s ready to be harvested. You can use the compost as a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.

Here are some tips to help you successfully compost food waste:

- Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile, because they can attract pests and slow down the composting process and we definitely don’t want that.

- Keep your compost pile moist but not too wet. If the pile becomes too wet, it can slow down the decomposition process and create a bad smell.

- Don’t get your hands dirty! Use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the compost pile to avoid harmful bacteria .

Reference list

- Caring for plants: Composting (2021) National Parks Board. Available at: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardening/gardening-resources/caring-for-plants/composting (Accessed: April 9th, 2023).

- Curbside services: Compost Cart (no date) Zero Waste Sonoma. Available at: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/recycle-dispose/residents/curbside-organics (Accessed: April 8th, 2023).

- Food waste (2023) European Environment Agency. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/signals/signals-2012/close-ups/food-waste (Accessed: April 7th, 2023).

- Simon, J. (2022) Composting can help fight climate change. get started in 5 easy steps, NPR. NPR. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2020/04/07/828918397/how-to-compost-at-home (Accessed: April 7th, 2023).

No Poverty: Achieving a Sustainable Future

Poverty has been a persistent challenge for human societies, with millions of people around the world struggling to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and healthcare. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development as a means to eradicate poverty and create a better future for all.

Sustainable development is based on the idea of balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to create a better future for everyone. In the context of poverty, sustainable development means finding ways to create jobs, provide education and healthcare, and improve infrastructure while also protecting the environment and ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to thrive.

One of the key ways to achieve sustainable development and eradicate poverty is through investments in education and healthcare. By providing access to quality education and healthcare, people can acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern economy and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. This can help to break the cycle of poverty that has trapped so many people in poverty for generations.

Another important strategy for achieving sustainable development is through investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. By investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our impact on the environment. Similarly, by promoting sustainable agriculture practices that minimize the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, we can protect the soil, water, and air while also increasing food security and improving livelihoods for farmers.

In conclusion, eradicating poverty is a crucial goal for achieving sustainable development and creating a better future for all. By investing in education, healthcare, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive, while also protecting the environment and preserving resources for future generations.

Shkemb Mulliqi

Supporting Circular Economy Businesses

Why it Matters and How to Do It

There is a growing movement called the circular economy, which means we try to use resources as efficiently as possible so we can create more value for people. We can help support this movement by shopping with companies that are committed to sustainable practices. Here’s why it’s important to do so and how you can help.

Sustainable Cities: Characteristics and Tips for Implementation

As urbanization continues to grow around the world, the concept of sustainable cities is becoming increasingly important. Sustainable cities prioritize the health and well-being of their residents, while also protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of sustainable cities and provide tips for sustainability practices in their own communities.

Written by

Sanne van Dijk