We all know that climate change is a threat to our planet. Air pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and the well-documented plight of our oceans have grown in awareness over recent years. No longer a topic reserved for conservationists and oceanographers, central banks and other supervisory authorities now believe climate change to be a risk to financial stability[1].
And as education of the problem increases, shoppers are demanding more environmentally-conscious choices. Organic, fair-trade produce and sustainable clothing are just two examples of industries reacting to consumer pressure.
But how does all this relate to your business? Well, quite simply, no business is immune to climate change and companies of all shapes and sizes will be feeling the pressure to ‘do their bit’.
Eco-anxiety experienced by employees
It should be noted that it’s not just our consumer habits that are changing. Perkbox Insights has reported that as many as 61% of adults feel ‘green guilt’ over the environmental impact of their job. This is actually leading to employees rethinking their careers completely. In fact, according to the research more than one in 10 have considered changing their job due to the effect it has on the planet[3].
And that’s not an isolated fact. Deloitte’s 2019 European CFO Survey revealed that while clients may be named as the most significant source of pressure when it comes to businesses changing their environmental habits, employees also make up a large percentage of that, ahead of regulators and investors[4], proving that staff are taking an active interest in the green credentials of their employers.
Closer to home
If we take a moment to think about our own local environment, it’s clear that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how crucial our connection to nature and outside spaces is. When restrictions on recreational travel and social contact were in place, daily exercise taken up outdoors was a lifeline for many people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
The reduction in daily commutes that came with the stay-at-home order, resulted in the added bonus of quieter streets and cleaner air. Thanks to the events of the last 18 months, it’s clear now more than ever, how important protecting the planet (on a global and local scale) is.
What can you do?
As an employer, you may be thinking this is all out of your hands. But there is a way to help your business lessen its environmental impact, while also providing a meaningful and worthwhile benefit to your team.
Brunsdon Financial are proud to have teamed up with Furthr, to provide a range of climate positive employee benefits. The company ensures easy, fun climate action for employees, while providing a strong return on investment for employers.
Going the extra mile
What is Furthr? It’s a way for employers to offset their team’s corporate emissions, by contributing a small amount per employee, each month, to sponsor carbon reduction projects and tree planting across the globe.
Employees can get involved, too, contributing a monthly amount to suit their budget in order to offset their personal carbon emissions. There is also a monthly prize draw with the chance to win cash, additional trees in their Furthr account and fantastic eco prizes. Your team will be able to track their footprint reduction, number of trees planted and prizes won on their personalised dashboard.
All of Furthr’s carbon offset projects are verified by the UN Climate Change and Gold Standard certification boards. Its tree planting is carried out by the Eden Reforestation Project.
This is a unique way to show your people, customers and shareholders that you care, up your ESG status and actively offset your workforce’s commute and home-working footprints. If you’re looking for a way to improve your company’s environmental impact and provide a meaningful, engaging benefit to your employees, get in touch with us..