24 August 2023
ESG targets are vital in this day and age, but businesses are going to struggle to meet them if they aren’t making more prudent energy decisions now and in the future. As the need for ESG increases amidst pressure from consumers, investors and governments, how exactly can businesses make sure they reach the targets they’ve laid out for themselves?
If you’re involved with energy decision-making within your business, then this resource can provide advice to support your approaches as you seek to meet ESG targets. It also offers insight into the importance of ESG, which you can inform employees across your organisation on and ensure they’re adhering to policies going forward.
Why businesses need ESG targets
Why is ESG important for businesses? Environmental, social and governance goals are set to help businesses manage their impact on the environment and society. As more and more businesses are seeking the need for ESG targets, as well as doing the right thing there’s no additional shortage of reasons they’re doing so:
The role energy usage plays in ESG targets
ESG, energy and its usage all go hand in hand. The environmental element takes into account how a company uses natural resources, and how its usage across its operations (including supply chains) affects the environment. Thus, ESG targets that aim to reduce carbon emissions and their impacts, are shaped greatly by a business’ usage and consumption of energy.
Failing to heed the environmental importance of ESG can create all manner of risks for companies. When they fail to act on reducing their carbon emissions or protect against avoidable workplace disasters, companies can be hit with governmental or regulatory sanctions, as well as criminal prosecution and damage to their reputation. And all of these can massively hurt shareholder value.
ESG targets, then, can minimise these risks greatly.
If you’re new to ESG, or just need to recalibrate your efforts towards meeting your ESG targets, then here are a few effective solutions that could help with your journey.
Seek out energy efficiency opportunities
Your business’ facilities themselves are going to be a huge source of energy usage, so maximising energy efficiency across offices, factories and warehouses is essential. Conducting an energy audit, and making them a routine occurrence, can help you to identify the areas where energy is being wasted – and where you can start reducing costs.
The more extensive you are the better, so you’ll need to investigate interiors, exteriors, fixtures and equipment. Once you’re done, the view of your current energy usage will show you what needs to be rectified in the future, including potentially using renewable gas and electricity.
Opt for modern technology
If your business is still working on old devices or with old equipment, then chances are it’ll be facing some sizable bills. Things like LED lighting and laptops rather than desktop computers can cut down on your monthly overheads, and create sizable long-term savings too. Plus, you’ll help to make colleagues’ jobs easier and more comfortable as well.
Increase ESG awareness in your company
Making colleagues aware of ESG efforts, and getting stakeholder buy-in can be achieved by establishing clear ideas on what ESG can do for a company.
A strategic ESG plan makes these actions, and associated targets, coherent and clear cut. As well as raising awareness, it sets an example by management – which ideally should have the company as a whole following suit.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within this article are those of our third-party content providers alone and do not represent those of SEFE Energy. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. SEFE Energy accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or representations.