Anne Krog Iversen is the Co-founder, Chief DNA & Culture Officer at TimeXtender.
getty
In a world where the consequences of our actions echo far beyond our immediate surroundings, the power to make a positive impact lies in the decisions we make each day.
At TimeXtender, we recognize the profound influence our daily choices can have on both environmental and social well-being. Our unwavering commitment to specific environmental, social and governance goals emphasizes the transformative power of starting small in the communities we serve.
With new ESG legislation on the horizon, now is the time to decide, as companies and as a planet, what course will be taken to make a positive impact on the environment.
Every Company's Environmental Responsibility
We believe every company has an environmental responsibility, and we choose to take on that responsibility through climate-friendly business practices, focused sustainability initiatives, and alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN set by the 2030 Agenda.
Climate-Friendly Business Practices
TimeXtender's commitment to complete carbon neutrality before 2030 stands at the forefront of our environmental responsibility. Every aspect of our business undergoes careful evaluation with a people-centered approach, ensuring our initiatives not only benefit the environment, but also prioritize the well-being of individuals.
Acknowledging the environmental impact of business travel, we strike a balance between the necessity of face-to-face meetings and the awareness of the carbon footprint they leave behind. Sustainable measures, such as tree planting, Safe Water projects, and Biodiversity Restoration of renewable energy, are integral parts of our strategy to offset our carbon footprint.
Focused Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability initiatives extend beyond carbon neutrality, encompassing a holistic approach to creating positive change. We prioritize sustainable health and well-being for our XPeople and the local communities of which we are a part. Additionally, we actively support sustainable high-quality education and contribute to the development of sustainable cities in our local communities. Sustainability is a choice—align your choice to your company culture to make a holistic and authentic impact.
Alignment With Sustainable Development Goals
Our goals at TimeXtender align seamlessly with the 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. This alignment is not just a corporate strategy; it is a global commitment to creating a better future for our people and planet. The 193 member states of the United Nations inspire us to take collective action, reinforcing the significance of the SDGs as a roadmap toward a sustainable and equitable future.
Steps Every Company Can Take
We understand the importance of sharing practical steps every company can take to contribute to a sustainable future. Regardless of size or industry, businesses can take steps to enhance their environmental responsibility, impact and accountability.
1. Conduct a comprehensive environmental audit.
Start by assessing your company's current environmental footprint. Conduct a thorough environmental audit to identify areas where changes and improvements can be made. This includes evaluating energy consumption, waste generation and resource usage. Understanding your baseline is crucial for setting realistic and impactful goals. Make it a conscious choice where you as a business choose to contribute to make a focused impact.
2. Set clear and achievable ESG goals.
Define specific ESG goals that align with your company's culture, values and operations. Whether it's reducing carbon emissions, implementing sustainable sourcing practices or fostering diversity and inclusion, clear and achievable goals provide a roadmap for progress. Ensure these goals are measurable and time-bound to track your company's performance.
3. Implement sustainable supply chain practices.
Examine your supply chain to identify opportunities for sustainability. Prioritize suppliers with environmentally friendly practices, ethical labor standards and a commitment to social responsibility. Establishing a sustainable supply chain reduces environmental impact and promotes accountability throughout your business ecosystem. Make ESG an important consideration in all business decisions—then make it a habit.
4. Encourage remote work and sustainable travel practices.
In the era of digital connectivity, consider promoting remote work options to minimize the need for extensive business travel. When face-to-face meetings are necessary, opt for virtual alternatives whenever possible. If travel is unavoidable, explore carbon offset initiatives and sustainable transportation options to mitigate the environmental impact.
Find an ESG partner that will help you offset travel and hotel nights. At TimeXtender, we work with a global partner that supports global environmental initiatives.
5. Invest in employee education and engagement.
Empower your employees to be champions of environmental responsibility. Provide educational resources on sustainable practices and encourage them to contribute ideas for improvement. Foster a culture of accountability and awareness, where each employee understands their role in the company's commitment to sustainability.
6. Establish transparency and reporting mechanisms.
Improve your company's accountability by establishing transparent reporting mechanisms. Regularly update progress on ESG goals and environmental initiatives to stakeholders, including employees, customers and investors. Transparent reporting builds trust and reinforces your commitment to responsible business practices.
With these practical steps, your company can play a major role in mitigating environmental impact, fostering sustainability and being an accountable steward of the planet. Embracing these measures not only aligns with global sustainability goals, but also positions your company as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in the business landscape.
Committing To Positive Change
Our journey toward environmental and social responsibility is a testament to our commitment to positive change. We reiterate our dedication to these goals and emphasize the ripple effect of small, sustainable choices in the communities we serve. As we move forward, we extend a call to action to businesses worldwide, urging them to prioritize ESG goals for a collective and brighter future. Together, let's pave the way toward a sustainable tomorrow.
Don't be afraid to start with small steps, start the dialogue and let it grow. ESG is a journey; it's a process that we'll all grow with over time but a conscious choice we have to make.
Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
