How to create an ecologically responsible organisation

How to create an ecologically responsible organisation

Leadership is often dynamic, always instructive and occasionally challenging. And sometimes you wonder what you’re doing it all for. Making a profit is important and even necessary to continue to exist. And social impact is also increasingly at the top of the agenda. But there is a third goal you can pursue as a leader: your relevance to the next generation. For those who are young now or not even born yet. Ecological value, then. With your organisation you can contribute to a planet where future generations (and therefore future clients) can live a good life. A nice assignment, I think. How to create such an ecologically responsible organization, I tell you in this blog.

Ecologically responsible operations: why exactly?

Making a positive contribution to the lives of future generations is a noble goal. But operating in an ecologically responsible way also makes sense for your own company. Organizations that are aware of their impact on their environment have been around for a long time. This is because society is increasingly unwilling to accept products with a short lifespan and services with a negative impact on the environment. They determine what matters and what the value is. Look at the increasing popularity of organic products and ecotourism, for example: these steer a sector in a certain direction. For the viability of your organization, you have no choice but to go along with these developments.

An ecologically responsible operation also has added value for the reputation of your organisation. When consumers see that as an organisation you are taking responsibility (for example in the areas of climate, raw materials, environmental impact, biodiversity or animal welfare) this contributes positively to customer loyalty. But operate sustainably from principle, not from a marketing point of view. Because the client will see right through that.

What makes an organisation ecologically responsible?

Is your organization developing a new product, service or market? Then also look at the ecological aspects. Is it socially responsible what you want to do? What are the consequences of these new steps for nature and the people around you? Are there ways you can reduce your carbon footprint? Or could you perhaps contribute to a greener and cleaner planet with your new service or new product?

These are obviously pretty abstract questions, but you can make them concrete. Think for example of the enormous amount of plastic in the oceans. While the rest of the world got no further than that it was “a lot” and “very bad”, patience ran out for a student from Delft. He took action and developed a clean-up system for plastic in the ocean. In doing so, he took a concrete step towards a solution and managed to engage a large number of organisations. Or as Huawei puts it in an inspiring way: it is in your hands. In doing so, the company is cleverly responding to a theme that is current in society, taking responsibility and at the same time encouraging consumers to do the same.

Starting small is okay

These kinds of steps are also possible within your organisation. You don’t have to change the whole world at once: every little stone contributes. Does your printer break down and you need to buy a new one, including the environmentally harmful toners? Then first get together and determine whether you really still print that much. Could it be less? Or is paperless already possible?

The same applies to business mobility: is it really necessary for all employees to be reimbursed for car travel? Otherwise, give them an OV-card with OV-fiets subscription so they can travel in a much less polluting way. This also saves a lot of administration: a win-win situation. The same applies to environmentally harmful air travel: are they all necessary? Or is it also possible to hold meetings with colleagues via video conferencing?

So with every step you take as an organisation, think about the ecological impact: towards a new product, a new service, a new working condition or new ways of working together. This is already a very good basis.

Your role as a modern leader

How do you get an ecological mindset into your team’s heads? In my opinion, this starts with an inventory of each other’s values. Schedule a meeting with your team members and ask them about their values in a positively constructive way. These are often inherited from home, are ingrained and therefore not always of the person itself. Make sure the meeting has an open and relaxed atmosphere, involve everyone, explain why you have called everyone together and also tell what you think is important! Inventory personal drives and share the vision and goals of the organization. This way you will discover common ground and you can start working together on your ecological impact.

A large number of the employees will connect with this, they are probably just like you, driven to keep the planet livable for future generations. But what if there are employees among them who don’t care? For example, because they think they can add little with their work? Then start an educational program and show the added value of the employee in the bigger picture. If they know that their actions do have an impact, they will be more willing to commit themselves to a more ecologically responsible organisation. Make the individual important and forge the collective out of it. Together you are stronger! And you, as a modern leader, have an important role in this as a driving force.

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