Everyone should have a basic understanding of environmental sustainability, whether from a professional or personal perspective. It is a critical topic today, with climate change, greenhouse gases, and deforestation frequently discussed in the media, politics, and legislation.
One effective way to acquire practical and applicable knowledge in this area is by taking a course in sustainability.
Ali Gruszczynska, Account Executive at Morton Waters, recently completed the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Environmental Sustainability (RQF). This fully funded course provides an excellent introduction to the essential aspects of sustainability, clarifying key phrases and concepts that you may have met but not fully understood.
Here Ali shares some of what the course covered, and her key takeaways.
Greenwashing is harmful to businesses, people and planet
Greenwashing is harmful to both individuals and organisations.
Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice by companies of presenting their products, activities, or policies as environmentally friendly, often through misleading advertising or marketing. This tactic aims to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly options while, in reality, the company may be engaging in environmentally harmful practices. By creating a false impression of environmental responsibility, greenwashing undermines genuine efforts to promote sustainability and can mislead consumers into supporting businesses that do not align with their environmental values.
Not only is greenwashing morally wrong, but it can also harm businesses when the truth comes to light, risking loss of business, damage to credibility, and potential legal trouble. Misleading customers makes it difficult for them to make informed choices that align with their personal values and desire to support sustainable practices, eroding trust in both companies and environmental certifications. Greenwashing diverts attention and resources away from genuinely sustainable initiatives, undermining efforts to address environmental issues effectively. It perpetuates harmful environmental practices by allowing companies to avoid making substantive changes, ultimately contributing to ongoing environmental degradation and delaying meaningful action against climate change and pollution.
If a business is going to include sustainability in its values or ethos, and communicate this, it should be able to evidence any claims made, clearly demonstrating how it is supporting sustainability and showcasing their targets for the coming years.
What is causing delays in climate action?
The delay in climate action can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Fear of the consequences of climate change often leads to feelings of hopelessness, known as ‘climate grief’ or ‘climate despair’, capturing the widespread sadness and despair about environmental damage. Additionally, corruption and lobbying by powerful interest groups, who would incur financial losses from sustainability measures, creates significant barriers.
Increasingly, research and media reports have revealed the extent of this lobbying, with lawsuits filed against major fossil fuel companies for allegedly funding networks to sow doubt about climate change despite knowing the environmental harm their operations cause. Scepticism and denial, often fuelled by these misinformation campaigns, further stall progress. Understanding these systemic obstacles is crucial for effective advocacy and holding governments and organisations accountable.
On a personal and professional level, individuals often encounter arguments against change, which can be categorised as ‘discourses of delay’. These include beliefs that climate change is inevitable, that others should act first, that transformative solutions are unnecessary, and that change will be too disruptive. By educating ourselves and demonstrating leadership, we can counter these arguments and inspire collective action, leveraging the ‘contagion effect’ to foster a more sustainable future.
Understanding the environmental impact of the construction sector
The environmental impact of organisations is undeniably vast, with a significant portion attributable to a relatively small number of large corporations. According to a Carbon Majors database report, just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1998.
While major corporations in fossil fuels, agriculture, and transport contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, smaller organisations also play a role through their use of products and services from these industries, such as transportation, packaging, and uniforms. These businesses produce both direct impacts, which result directly from their operations, and indirect impacts, which can be more challenging to measure and control.
The built environment contributes to almost 40% of all carbon emissions globally, and 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, the Government has committed to net zero gas emissions by 2050 and with construction a significant contributor it is a key area of focus for reductions in emissions. If you want to learn more about the vital role training and collaboration will play in delivering a more sustainable construction, read this recent article from our client Merronbrook.
Morton Waters is proud to work with companies in the built environment that are helping to deliver a more sustainable construction industry and contributing to reaching the UK’s Net Zero goals. For example, Whitfield Consulting Services provided civil design support for renewable energy and rail electrification projects working towards decarbonising the National Grid and UK rail network. Natalja Petkune, Engineering Manager at Whitfield Consulting Services, shared her thoughts on the role of engineers in Net Zero and how companies can support their teams in New Civil Engineer. Andy Gibson, Technical Director & Corporate Responsibility Lead at Merronbrook, is currently completing a masters (MSt) at Cambridge University in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE), and frequently shares his thoughts on timber’s contribution to a more sustainable construction sector here.
The environment will bite back
The intricate relationship between human activity and the environment is evident in the operations of businesses and organisations. As businesses impact the environment, the environment in turn affects business operations.
Materials and goods, for example, may become harder to find or grow due to changing weather conditions, leading to production delays and rising costs. Extreme weather or water scarcity caused by drought can halt energy production and damage equipment. While it takes investment to change processes and become more sustainable, on the other hand, there is a strong connection between commerciality and sustainability – by reducing waste and increasing efficiency, we will build better businesses. Businesses simply can’t afford to not work towards net zero as uncontrolled climate change will impact their future profitability more.
Stricter legal requirements for waste disposal and pollution control add another layer of complexity, often resulting in higher costs for safe waste disposal and compliance with pollution regulations. Additionally, companies may feel pressure to disclose information about the environmental impact of their products and operations, including the sourcing of materials and the use of chemicals. Failure to meet these expectations can lead to reputational damage if reports surface about unsustainable practices regarding waste, transport, energy use, and more. Understanding and managing these impacts is crucial for businesses of all sizes to navigate the growing demands for environmental responsibility.
Our client IDL shares their commitment to being a zero-landfill waste company here – as a manufacturer they’ve looked at every part of their design, production and recycling of products at end of life.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The term ‘corporate’ might seem to apply only to large enterprises, but corporate social responsibility (CSR) is relevant to businesses of all sizes, including sole traders. The key question is: to whom is a business responsible?
Every business has stakeholders, individuals or groups affected by its operations. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) categorises these into primary and secondary stakeholders. Primary stakeholders are essential to the business’s existence, including customers, employees, suppliers, and investors. Secondary stakeholders, such as local communities and environmental groups, are also impacted by the company’s activities.
Effective CSR practices involve addressing the needs of both primary and secondary stakeholders, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and contributing to societal and environmental well-being. This approach benefits stakeholders and enhances the business’s reputation and long-term success.
We’re fortunate to work with some exceptional clients dedicated to making a difference to their people and wider communities. Our client Axter Ltd is on a mission to release the full potential of flat roofs to positively impact our climate and communities. Find out more about their commitment to sustainability and providing carbon literacy training for their team here. As part of their commitment to having a positive community impact they have partnerships with local and national charities, providing both financial support and skills services. One example of this is how they supported Emmaus Suffolk by providing solar PV panels for their housing units for vulnerable people to make them energy bill free.
Social responsibility as a choice, not an obligation
If social responsibility is about positively impacting a business’s stakeholders, one might wonder why simply following the law isn’t enough? While laws mandate that companies and individuals cannot pollute the environment, must recycle waste appropriately, and pay employees a minimum wage, social responsibility extends far beyond legal requirements. It is rooted in ethics rather than mere compliance.
Laws provide a baseline for acceptable behaviour, but social responsibility involves choosing to do what is right and ethical for people and the environment, even when not legally required. For instance, just as personal ethics dictate actions like reporting found money or being honest in relationships, corporate social responsibility (CSR) demands that businesses act in the best interests of their stakeholders. This means proactively adopting sustainable practices, ensuring fair labour conditions, and contributing positively to the community, reflecting a commitment to ethical principles that surpass legal obligations.
Understanding sustainability is essential as businesses navigate environmental challenges, manage risks, and comply with regulations. But, as you can see, there’s a lot to learn. Educating ourselves on sustainability helps us grasp the complexities involved and promotes responsible practices. By embracing transparency, innovation, and ethical resource management, businesses can contribute to a sustainable future while enhancing their reputations.
There are a number of great courses out there, one of my colleagues recently took part in a Climate Fresk session which helps individuals understand the fundamental science behind climate change and empowers them to take action. Our director, Charlotte Waters, is working towards becoming an accredited facilitator for the Carbon Literacy Project. For people working in marketing and advertising the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Advertising Association both offer great greenwashing courses, too.
And you can find out more about the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Environmental Sustainability (RQF) course here.