With national, state and local governments around the world putting a larger focus on renewable energy, the need for corporations to evaluate their social responsibility efforts is increasing. As experienced CSR experts know, now is the time to compile annual CSR reports and set new sustainability goals.

According to ENGIE Impact, a survey of 200 executives found that 75 percent of respondents believe sustainability will be a high or top priority in five (5) years while less than half said it is today. The company recently hosted a webinar that included some advice from the Head of NA Maintenance at Circle K, Kevin Merritt: “Don’t wait.”

Merritt said corporate leaders should begin setting goals sooner than later. “For all of us, it’s the right thing to do – for your company, your customers and overall as a global citizen,” he told viewers.

Advances in technology are making it more affordable, he said. Beyond a bottom line, making a commitment to be more sustainable can help improve how your brand is viewed. For years, CSR has become more and more important to consumers and employees.

Generation Z is the first generation to put purpose over paycheck when it comes to priorities, according to Forbes. They are expected to make up 30 percent of the country’s workforce within the next four years. The “Employee Expectations” report published by Peakon in September states that survey comments about environmental issues rose 52 percent in 2019, with the largest rise being 128 percent for Gen Z.

Behind them are Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers with a 62 percent, 56 percent and 59 percent increase respectively. Earlier this year, the Cone Communications Millennial Employee Study found that 64 percent of Millennials won’t take a job if a company lacks a strong CSR policy.

Peakon’s study showed that climate-related comments rose in most industries, but employees in Manufacturing were the most vocal with an increase of 595 percent. The next closest was the Consumer sector with 106 percent, according to the report.

Despite the call for more sustainable practices, making the switch to renewable resources isn’t cut and dried. Moving to renewable energy isn’t as expensive as it once was, the upfront cost can still be off-putting. Fortunately, there are a number of programs and grants available to businesses of all sizes. A company should work with all of its partners to ensure everyone is taking the right steps to be more efficient and cut costs.

Data is vital at all stages, from identifying where energy should be purchased to determining whether the company’s practices are aligned with its goals, and we can assist with interpreting yours. At ARTÉMIA, sustainability has been a core value since the beginning. We were early adopters of green practices, certified as a San Francisco Green Business and ISO 14001 & TL 9000 compliant. Our CEO, Barbara Wichmann, has earned multiple recognitions for our commitment to the environment. We can help you set goals, measure progress, apply for certifications and recognitions and compile reports.

For a first free consultation, reach out to us by email at Kamie@artemia.com