Where there’s a will, there’s a way – concrete action makes all the difference
The urge to change can only be fulfilled by someone who is willing to enter unknown territory. And to accept that the unpredictable can only be influenced to a limited extent. But as important as a strong will is, contrary to a common saying, it only counts on its own when concrete action follows. With regard to sustainability and the concept of ESG1, the connection between drive and actual action is particularly important. Easier said than done! This is because regulations as reliable signposts are usually only issued with some delay. This can also make access to supportive public funding more difficult. Despite all these adversities in implementation, we receive many impulses that show how one can position oneself – also economically – with and in economic issues.
One of these impulses comes from a Salzburg-based company that has not only taken up the challenge of ESG, but has also acted in advance of laws and regulations. This company operates in an industry that has not really made a name for itself in the past through environmental protection. Nevertheless, it is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly companies far beyond Austria’s borders, as evidenced by numerous national and international certificates and awards. Although a single company may only have a small impact on overall emissions, the management initially acted as a role model without any regulations or obligations, but out of conviction. The result: a practical example of ESG implementation that is not mandatory for the size of a small SME and is therefore far ahead of previous standards. The path to becoming a green company without any initial legal stops was not an easy one, but this much can be revealed: the goals were achieved primarily because the entire team pulled together out of conviction – and continues to do so.
This also resulted in an economic consequence, as the ESG implementation led to a new USP and created a completely new component of an “industry king” with a lighthouse character for marketing.
The sum of small but decisive activities for a meaningful footprint is what progress means. This article provides impressive proof that corporate development towards ESG makes sense from both an ecological and economic perspective, motivates employees and brings decisive competitive advantages.
Read more about this topic and the associated operation next week!
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Footnote
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance: A concept that takes into account environmental, sustainability and social issues. ↩︎