Making the case for ESG

Questions about the environment are well known and discussed across the general population. It is a topic with relevance across every industry, and stretches across every demographic of society. However, when it comes to our understanding of these issues, they are often abstracted, as problems either too large and complex for us as individuals to resolve, or with effects too distant and incomprehensible to affect our daily lives. This is an understandable position to hold, as for many, our response to the climate crisis can be either to make micro-adjustments on a personal level, such as recycling, being mindful about consumption, or perhaps changing daily essentials, such as switching energy provider, swapping out a fossil-fuel powered car for an electric, or adjusting our diet. These are all commendable actions to take, and should in no way be discouraged, however what is critically lacking within the general discourse around the climate crisis and our professional engagement with it, is a sense of collective action, one in which businesses, both large and international, as well as small and local, can play a vital part in bringing people together, opening up the scope of action, and implementing a much more structured, engaged, and diverse response to the climate challenge.

Green Echo Consulting exists, primarily to encourage and guide companies that are looking to enhance their positive environmental social impact upon their communities and environments. Our most immediate way to achieve this, is to evaluate the structure of companies, start measuring their impact, and guiding them towards more sustainable practices, which, in terms of market value for the business, will ideally lead towards a B-Corp certification, as well as cost savings, and the retention and attraction of passionate and hardworking talent. Our approach to working with companies hopes to expand the imagination of what Environmental & Sustainable Governance (ESG) looks like. For instance, companies can look at their supply chain and identify where improvements could be made to attain a better outcome for planet and people. We can also look into empowering people within the company structure, by registering legal changes that place interest upon stakeholders, alongside and rather than solely for shareholders. Amongst other options, we can also look at how the business operates with the local community, by exploring options for volunteering, supporting local courses, and lobbying for progressive policy change around ESG issues. These are all actions which are difficult to achieve as individuals, however the advantage of exploring these with businesses, is that we inherently approach them with a sense of collective action, this greatly builds upon the power that our actions have and increases the chance for positive change.

We want to envisage successful and entrepreneurial businesses as leaders within their communities, who are looked up to, admired, and respected by their local communities as a powerful alternative to larger companies which often face the criticism of monopolising the high-street, driving out local businesses, weakening the social fabric, and damaging our shared ecosystem. Small and Local Businesses are the backbone of many of our societies throughout the world, and when you’re at home feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the pace of change, or unable to find a way to find your grounding against the threat of larger companies driving sale prices down and business costs up, we want to work with you, because you have greater agility than larger companies to change. You are more ably responsive to the needs of your community, and you are best positioned to demonstrate why you serve your communities better.

When faced with the weight and scale of the climate crisis, we may feel compelled to move alone at the margins, we may also feel compelled to let larger multi-nationals decide the best course of action. Instead, we believe that you and your communities are the ones best positioned to lead the changes that will empower and enrich your communities. Green Echo Consulting is here to guide you through your first steps on your ESG journey. There is no business too small, or too niche to get involved, if you have people alongside you, you have power, and we are here to help maximise your impact.

Get in touch today to see how we can work together and drive a positive action plan for your ESG goals.