A green economy in action
Green Economy London aims to help businesses set and achieve sustainability targets ― and to do so profitably
Photo: Green Economy London hub manager, Marianne Griffith
IN JUST A few short months, Covid-19 has reshaped the world. And while we don’t know how long the pandemic will affect our day-to-day lives, we can already see the impact it is having in so many areas: the economy, our personal lives — and the environment.
The pandemic is a global health crisis, but it is also showing just how closely our economy and lifestyles are linked to the overall health of the planet.
As we recover from the effects of Covid-19, communities, businesses and industries are pressing for more sustainable economic recovery that will increase resiliency against the climate crisis and other risks.
In fact, it could be argued that it is now more important than ever for businesses to set emissions, waste and water reduction targets, and to embed sustainability into the business culture, which is what Green Economy London and 35 local businesses are working hard to do.
“We’ve had numerous organizations set meaningful reduction targets and engage in our environmental stewardship program. The culture in London is definitely shifting to one of embedded sustainability in business practices” ―Marianne Griffith
In May of last year, The London Environmental Network launched Green Economy London, the only program of its kind in London to support businesses with a cost-effective, collaborative, practical and community-based approach to achieving sustainability goals.
In just over a year, Green Economy London gained 35 member businesses and six partners who all work towards the collective goal of a greener economy and community for London.
“We are really impressed with the London business community and the uptake of the program,” says Marianne Griffith, hub manager with Green Economy London. “We’ve had numerous organizations set meaningful reduction targets and engage in our environmental stewardship program. The culture in London is definitely shifting to one of embedded sustainability in business practices.”
Setting sustainability and reduction targets supports the long-term sustainability of businesses, their stakeholders and the community. For example, projects that address waste diversion and reduction, decrease water usage or address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions improve efficiency, are cost effective and can improve economic returns.
In addition, reduction targets are a great way to respond to increasing consumer demands in an increasingly green economy, both bettering customer satisfaction and enhancing brand image.
Integrating reduction targets into strategic planning will increase resilience as the regulatory environment becomes more uncertain in the face of climate change. Furthermore, businesses that set reduction targets will drive innovation as the economy transitions from business as usual to a low-carbon environment.
“We want to help businesses save money while doing what’s right for the environment,” Griffith explains. “With efficiency technology readily available, our goal is to develop incentives that make the switch to clean, renewable energy an easy choice. We want to help businesses plan for the future and set a clear path to reaching their sustainability targets.”
Green Economy London helps businesses from the start by establishing baseline data to set reduction targets and supporting progress through one-on-one coaching, educational workshops and networking events. The targets and projects can be in any of the four target areas: waste, water, emissions, and environmental stewardship.
As one of seven Green Economy Canada Hubs demonstrating that sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand, Green Economy London Helps local businesses achieve reduction targets and implement sustainability projects, and also amplifies progress and successes to the community.
If you’re interested in joining the growing network of businesses driving innovation in the low-carbon economy, or would like to learn more about how your business can establish and meet sustainability targets, reach out to Green Economy London at [email protected], or visit them online, on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube.
This story was created by Content Studio, TreeTown Media’s commercial content division, on behalf of Green Economy London.