One thing is for certain: in the upcoming campaign cycle, nothing is certain. As political parties outline their manifestoes, there is great interest on what this means for sustainability legislation. Because, no matter the election results, sustainability will only have an increasing impact on your business.
From new legislation to curb carbon emissions to the rollout of new renewable energy infrastructure, changing policies will force businesses to alter the way that they operate and be more conscious of their environmental impact.
That’s why, when it comes to sustainability, now isn’t the moment to take foot off the accelerator. Taking the time now to shore up your infrastructure will mean that, whatever happens in July, you’ll still be on course to continue your sustainable progress.
So how can you invest today for a more stable tomorrow?
The impacts of sustainable legislation
Each of the main political have distinct stances and proposed policies regarding sustainability and environmental issues that will impact businesses.
For example, the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties are committing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, 2045 and 2030 respectively, which will put pressure on business to restrict their emissions to meet this aim.
The Green Party are pushing for a greener UK at an even faster pace. With the aim of achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible, they place a particular focus on the use of renewable energy.
As a result, business should prepare to face things like the higher compliance costs, stringent measures to curb emissions and rigorous environmental standards that may be enforced by a newly elected party.
To meet these standards, take a look at opportunities to build in sustainability across your entire supply chain. Investment in the latest equipment for example, will make sure you’re rising to the opportunity of sustainable policy, instead of being hindered by compliance.
Green equipment and building a sustainable business
Unlocking this equipment can be tricky, however, especially when there are so many priorities competing for your budget. That’s why we’re seeing a rise in the Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) business model, where customers lease equipment rather than purchasing it outright.
From industrial machinery to office appliances, the EaaS mindset can help you build sustainability across your business, whilst also boosting your productivity. For example, more comprehensive waste management, or more efficient packing machines.
And this efficiency is extended to your energy consumption. Leasing can help you secure the latest, most energy-efficient equipment, so you can benefit from lower energy consumption and reduced carbon footprints without the need for large capital investments in new technology.
This idea of providing additional benefit to your business is known as value creation, and it’s a key factor driving sustainability progress in the UK. In fact, 85% of global businesses say they now see sustainability as a value creation opportunity, according to Morgan Stanley.
It’s not just that more sustainable equipment is also more efficient. It’s because building - and proving - a robust sustainability strategy makes your business more attractive to customers and shareholders alike.
That’s why we issued our first Green Bond last year, a 500-million-euro volume placed exclusively for the refinancing of sustainable lease objects. The bond was significantly oversubscribed – attracting investors from Europe, including Germany, the UK, Austria, and Switzerland – showing just how much businesses from all over the world are investing-in and implementing leasing as a means of value creation in their business models.
Working with a trusted partner can make sustainability less of an obstacle, and more of an opportunity to strengthen your business. It can start with something as simple as a rehaul of your office equipment, but the benefits are bountiful.
Building valuable partnerships
Working together with a Leasing partner can help amplify your sustainability efforts. And with the political landscape shifting, it’s clear that this isn’t just about your bottom line. It’s about the greater good of the country.
That’s why decision makers are increasingly seeing sustainability as a corporate social responsibility instead of just a business objective, according to Harvard Business School.
Consumers are becoming more aware of sustainable efforts, and are more likely to take their money elsewhere if you can’t meet their demand for ethical products and services.
This means your business infrastructure is now more tied to your brand image. Implementing sustainable practices creates value for your business as it builds stronger credibility for your brand, and greater loyalty from your customers.
And this also extends to your relationships with buyers and suppliers, especially as Scope 3 emissions – those that come from your supply chain – are under increased surveillance, according to the Carbon Trust.
So, as we prepare for what looks like a period of political upheaval, it’s important to not lose sight of what’s to come. With a trusted partner, and the initiative to prepare for the future now, businesses shouldn’t see sustainable policy as an obstacle.
Instead, it’s an opportunity to build value for your business and your customers and help build a better world – even if we’ll still be caught in the rain.
