Going Beyond Carbon - ESG

When talking about sustainability it is important that companies are aware that their carbon emissions are just a fraction of their overall impact. While reducing emissions is our primary goal at Positive Planet, we encourage our clients to develop a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy addressing a broader spectrum of factors. True sustainability goes beyond measuring and reducing environmental impacts (including but by no means limited to carbon emissions) in combination with offsetting. It encompasses a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance. 

While companies can directly control their internal governance and take a proactive stance to ensure ethically responsible behaviours within their own operations and supply chains, some choose to go a step beyond this by supporting organisations providing solutions to specific ESG issues. For those considering carbon this may take the form of offsetting, however, by thinking beyond carbon when considering their Corporate Social Responsibility agenda, companies can maximise their financial impact and address various environmental and social issues in tandem by supporting organisations addressing their identified areas of focus.One method for identifying key focus areas for a business is to consider the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Going beyond carbon demonstrates a company's commitment to and understanding of sustainability as a whole. Ultimately leading to:

• More impact per £ spent
• Benefits for “people and planet”
• Better organisational reputation 
• Further reach of positive action (diversification)
• Attracting talent from an increasingly CSR conscious cohort
• A legacy beyond products and profit