Practical tips to get businesses started with sustainability

The pandemic, increasing operational costs and climate risks such as flooding, are all examples of drastically changing business circumstances for many industries in Queensland. Those changes are predicted to increase in the future. 

The climate is changing, and in South-east Queensland, we are likely to see increased temperatures with corresponding increases in extreme weather events over time. 

There is a growing realisation that climate change is a significant and growing threat, and more and more businesses are making commitments to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. There are also additional expectations surrounding climate and carbon disclosure statements. 

Global Megatrends

As well as change, there are other global trends at play: CSIRO has been researching the most likely case scenarios and mapping megatrends that will affect most businesses. 

According to CSIRO’s megatrend analysis, the trends highlighted below will likely impact Australia over the coming 20 years. 

Andrew highlighted that while there are many recent challenges facing businesses with natural disasters, the pandemic and rising energy prices; there are a number of sustainability trends and initiatives that provide guidance. 

There are many opportunities such as:

• Reducing Emissions through efficiency: taking simple steps to avoid emissions through energy and fuel efficiency.
• Renewable Energy: There are opportunities for businesses to save by switching to renewable energy, either via installation of solar panels or via renewable energy agreements with electricity retailers – look for Net Zero electricity.
• Circular economy principles: Changing our linear consumption model to one where we design products for durability, re-use and recyclability.  Ensuring materials don’t make it into landfill and are cycled back into the production or distribution chain is a strategy businesses can start to undertake.
• Data and technology: There are many emerging technology and innovation trends, such as real-time monitoring, automation, micro-grids, electric and autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence which all have roles to play in the unlocking of the sustainability potential of businesses.
• Global Goals: Working towards each of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a more sustainable future: identify which of the goals apply most to you and use the available tools and resources to develop a plan.
• Carbon offsets: As more companies look to become carbon neutral, demand for carbon offsets is growing. A once small market is now a $5 billion global market. $500 million is committed in land restoration funds for carbon markets in Queensland alone.

Net zero refers to the achieving a balance of zero emissions – where emissions are reduced, then unavoidable emissions are offset so that there are no net emissions.

Nationally and in Queensland, we have a target to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and 30% emissions reduction by 2030.  Can you achieve the same for your business – or better? These targets may change as the public demands more decisive climate action.

While Net Zero might seem like an imposing task now, it can be broken down in simple steps starting with simple mitigation.

For example, ecoBiz helps businesses save on average 19% off their energy, water and waste costs.

There are several ways to begin your journey to Net Zero. Free and low cost steps you can take are:

• Understand your energy, water, and waste consumption. Check your bills and read meters. Get an idea of what is being consumed and when.
• Consider ways you can use less while producing the same – can you provide a good or service more efficiently. Look out for ways to make savings on your water and waste.
• Set an informed target based on what you can achieve.
• Can you offset any emissions by purchasing carbon offsets?

Think broader about wider benefits for you and your business.

The Queensland Government has developed Climate Adaptation Strategies for different sectors across the state, including the tourism, small business and agriculture sectors. 

CCIQ led the development of the Climate Sector Adaptation Plan for Small and Medium Businesses. Working with businesses, they considered the physical risks from Climate Change, and external risks to businesses such as reputation, markets, policy and technology. Additional opportunities were also explored, such as resource efficiencies, energy security, new experiences and increased resilience. These considerations were all underpinned by Strategic Planning and Risk Management with the goal of attaining business stability and sustainability.

Businesses are likely to fall into three groups when responding to Climate Change impacts and pressure; deny, get by or prosper.

Deny and be reactive 

Some businesses may find many reasons to avoid acting on climate change and postpone actions until absolutely necessary. A business might feel ‘’too busy’’ for example. When eventually forced to change by new regulations or repeated impacts, they might find it difficult to catch up. Reactive strategies offer no leeway and may expose businesses to many more risks.

Get by, or remaining in the status quo 

For those that ‘get by’, they will modify as they go; with short-term planning and changes to meet the circumstances and the next targets. They will be adapting to change and becoming more efficient, responding to customer requirements and working with suppliers on challenges as they arise.  These businesses may still continue to grow, but may not reach their full potential.

Plan ahead – the recommended course 

Businesses who can plan, anticipate changes and transform will be able to prosper in an evolving world. These businesses will be thinking about what challenges and opportunities they will face and how to position to meet them. They will be thinking about who their customers are and what they expect, as well as how their suppliers will be changing.  It may require a change to business model.

Businesses should consider the risks of climate change on their industries and specific business. They are invited to think about the impact on their operations, and then find ways to reduce that impact. Importantly, consider opportunities as well.

Climate Risk Assessment Example

A Contract Cleaning Business based in Southeast Queensland who works throughout the state, identified the impact of increasing frequency of storms on their business. The storms can impact the business by damaging the customer premises and disrupting and delaying trips to the client’s premises. It can cause driver fatigue if drivers are needing to take detours or they are delayed.

The vulnerability for this business will be health and safety of staff on the road.  There is the possibility of service disruption due to closed roads and infrastructure damage, as well as loss of work due to being cut off from the customer or jobs being cancelled. They will need to adapt: being flexible and have plans ready to implement in these circumstances to keep their clients serviced.

A potential opportunity for the business is the opportunity to provide increased rapid response clean-up after storms.  They may offer a service that is able to mobilise quickly as they have planning in place to offer certainty to clients.