In recent years, the business sector faces significant challenges due to the climate change. Since the implementation of environmental policies to the adoption of green technology, companies must adapt quickly in order to comply with the standards of sustainability.
The lack of financing and the need for technological innovationa are important barriers to overcome. In addition, initiatives to curb the climate change have gained momentum around the world. From responsible consumption to the use of public transportationsociety has incorporated the sustainabilityd in their daily decisions.
However, the challenge remains global and requires the active participation of governments, businesses and citizens, he notes in an article for Ethic the journalist Carmen Díaz Beyáspecialist in environmental and ecological issues.
"According to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 'there is no turning back from all the changes that are happening around us,'" he stresses.
To deal with this situation, he says, the European Union launched in 2019 the European Green Pactwith the goal of making the continent the first carbon neutral continent by 2050. This strategy impacts all types of entities and requires concrete commitments from the corporate sector.
From intention to action
A study of the UN Global Compact in 2022 revealed that 58% of Spanish companies have a sustainability policy, but only 41% manage to comply with it in full. The main barrier is the lack of financing to implement effective measures, says the journalist in her article.
Faced with this situation, CaixaBank has developed a calculator for carbon footprint free of charge within your Sustainability Plan 2025-2027. This tool is designed so that both individuals and companies can measure their emissions and receive personalized advice on how to reduce them.
"The financial institution, in collaboration with Aenor, provides SMEs, businesses and large companies from different sectors with an added service of verifying their carbon footprint to accompany them in their energy efficiency and decarbonization process and promote them to be more sustainable," he stresses.
The service of CaixaBank not only calculates direct CO2 emissions (energy, transport, industrial processes), but also indirect emissions, such as those generated in the supply chain, business travel and waste treatment.
This integrated approach allows companies to identify critical areas where they can reduce their environmental impact.
Díaz Beyá explains that the methodology used is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), an internationally recognized standard. This ensures that results are globally comparable and facilitates the tracking of emissions over time, promoting continuous improvement.
Investing in a sustainable future
Beyond the measurement of carbon footprint, CaixaBank 100 billion in the next three years to finance projects to improve the quality of life of the renewable energiesclean mobility and efficient construction. It will also promote financial inclusion, training and employment, contributing to economic and social development.
The impact of companies is no longer measured only in financial terms. The environmental responsibility and the transparency are increasingly valued by consumers. A study by the European School of Management and Business (EUDE) confirms that one third of consumers prefer brands with a clear social and environmental commitment.
The journalist believes that with technological tools and financing strategies, companies have the opportunity to lead the change towards a more efficient and sustainable sustainable economyHowever, collaboration between the corporate sector, institutions and society is necessary to achieve climate goals and ensure a more sustainable future for all.
Source: Ethic
