In this article, we’ll review why stakeholders are important, how they could impact your company’s sustainability efforts, and how to prevent them from doing so.

Preventing Stakeholders From Ruining Your Sustainability Efforts

Over the past year, from devastating wildfires in Hawaii to and massive floods in Russia, people have started to see the negative impact of climate change firsthand like never before – which has elicited people to start shifting gears and become more serious about climate change.

Stakeholders are an essential part of any business, but how can your company ensure that your stakeholders don’t get in the way of your sustainability efforts?

In this article, we’ll review why stakeholders are important, how stakeholders could impact your company’s sustainability efforts, and how to prevent your stakeholders from ruining your sustainability plans.

What are stakeholders and why are they important?

Stakeholders refer to the people who are either involved or impacted by a company’s current business endeavors, ergo the term “stakeholders” to represent people who have “stake”, or some type of involvement or relation to the project in question.

Think of planning a road trip with your friends – the car company you choose to rent from and friends you choose to travel with would all be considered stakeholders in your roadtrip. The same goes for businesses, as anyone from surrounding communities to research institutions associated with your product or service could be considered stakeholders.

What is a stakeholder and stakeholder theory? This video looks at the definition, primary and secondary stakeholders, and suggests practical uses for leaders. The video contrasts stakeholders vs shareholders or stockholders and looks the role stakeholders play in the overall success of an organization, 
 
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What is a Stakeholder?

Stakeholders are important because they can have a direct influence on a project. For instance, if investors aren’t happy with the product or service – they won’t continue to invest more money into the company. If locals aren’t happy with how production for your company’s product impacts their daily lives, such as contributing to nearby air pollution, they could boycott the company altogether. 

👉 Therefore, it’s imperative to keep your stakeholders both informed and engaged regarding your current company activities – as stakeholders have the power to deter your business plans and even sustainable efforts from being successful.

Why is stakeholder engagement important for sustainability?

Stakeholder engagement is important for sustainability as stakeholders are paramount to ensure that new corporate sustainability initiatives are well implemented. Therefore, seeking to involve your stakeholders can help to make certain that all sustainability efforts are understood by all third parties.

Think of trying to incorporate a new routine within a group. It is important for not only the group leaders to understand the new initiatives, but for all of the members of the group to comprehend and want to implement those changes as well. The same goes for essential stakeholders in your organization.

Here are a few more reasons why stakeholder engagement is important to develop your company’s sustainability strategy:

Identify Key Issues – Engaging with stakeholders is crucial to ensure your company remains up-to-date regarding ESG issues and how to develop your sustainability efforts accordingly. 

Practice Greater Trust & Transparency – Informing your stakeholders on the importance of adhering to sustainable efforts can help to cultivate trust and illustrate a genuine commitment to enforcing eco-friendly change. 

Incite New Collaboration – Seeking to include your stakeholders in your sustainable efforts could ignite the opportunity for new ideas, and ultimately lead to further sustainable innovations to be implemented in the future. Remember, your stakeholders may be able to come up with new sustainable practices your company would’ve never considered alone!

Improve Brand Image & Reputation – Working to engage your stakeholders can help to build a better brand reputation for future customers, investors, and even future stakeholders – all of which can help both your financial and sustainable endeavors to grow.

👉 Overall, stakeholder engagement is important for sustainability given the outside expertise and new ideas that your stakeholders could provide to your business – helping to further push your sustainable initiatives.

How could stakeholders impact your sustainability efforts?

There are several ways in which stakeholders could impact your company’s efforts to implement greater sustainability, such as by refusing to invest in your brand, lack of materials from suppliers, or lack of trust from consumers.

Stakeholders don’t only have the power to determine the financial success of your business, but also the influence to sway if your current sustainability efforts will be successful – as their cooperation is essential for your sustainable initiative to prove effective.

Some additional ways that your stakeholders could have an impact on your sustainability efforts include:

Refusal to Provide Funding – Some of your stakeholders, such as government agencies or non-profit organizations, may not be willing to provide your company with the funding it needs to implement your sustainable initiatives. This could prevent your business from going green at the rate you had previously planned. 

Environmental Regulations – Stakeholders involved with the government may have more stringent expectations in terms of current environmental regulations, meaning – they may expect your company to go above and beyond what is currently required. This could pressure your company to implement sustainability efforts at an overzealous pace that can’t be maintained.  

Impact via Technology & Research – Research institutions will often aim to share their findings with companies to help them develop the most relevant sustainability strategy possible. However, some academic institutions may not be able to provide that information right away – making it difficult for companies to curate their sustainability strategy accordingly. In this case, technology could help to share this information faster and ensure relevancy.

Locals & Indigenous People – Think back to the Keystone Pipeline: the majority of its controversy became social and ethical. Even if your company has a new sustainable idea in mind, it could serve as a nuisance to locals – and could ultimately hinder your business from moving forward with your once-flawless sustainable idea.

New Consumer Interests – Just as it’s important to ensure your investors are interested in your sustainable ideas, customers should be on board, too – as this is likely to be the primary source of revenue for your business and the deciding factor if future funding will be available for future sustainable efforts. On the flip side, consumers could encourage your business to develop new sustainable initiatives and prove supportive in the process.

Potential or Failed Partnerships – Working together could help to cultivate even stronger sustainable habits, but if one partner isn’t in agreement with the current terms or ideas – companies will then be left to scramble and fulfill their sustainable initiatives alone. This means that these stakeholders could make-or-break certain sustainable initiatives. 

👉 Ultimately, stakeholders have the ability to influence the direction of your sustainability initiatives as a result of their own individual preferences and actions – making it crucial to communicate your current and future sustainability goals with stakeholders.

How can your company better communicate sustainability matters to your stakeholders?

There are several ways that your company can prevent your stakeholders from getting in the way of achieving your sustainability goals, but the most effective way to ensure your stakeholders don’t get in the way of your sustainability efforts is to practice good communication.

One of the best ways to ensure that your stakeholders don’t implicate your current sustainability efforts is to remain proactive and provide as much information in advance as possible.

Here are some ways to implement better communication methods regarding sustainability with your stakeholders:

Practice Transparency – Your stakeholders can better accommodate to your sustainability plans if you remain consistent and honest, such as by sharing frequent public reports in addition to having personal conversations on how your sustainability efforts may impact stakeholders.

Be Personable & Show Empathy – Let’s say that your company is looking to build a new, more sustainable office – but in the meantime, the construction will inconvenience nearby residents. Remember to express empathy to show those who will potentially be impacted that your business understands it is disruptive, and then iterate how it will benefit them in the long run.

Provide Visuals – Did you know that around 65% of people are visual learners? Therefore, it’s helpful to provide your stakeholders with visuals for your sustainability plans, as this will help them to better understand your goals and how it will impact them.

Tailor Your Message for Each Stakeholder – Oftentimes, businesses will prepare a “speech”, much like someone looking for a job prepares a standard cover letter – but sometimes we forget to tailor our communications to the individual audience. It’s important to discuss the most relevant points to each stakeholder to ensure they are well informed about your sustainability initiatives, as this can help to make sure they do not do anything to jeopardize your company’s success. 

💡 It’s important to make sure your conversations with your stakeholders are personalized to ensure effective communication.

How can your company encourage stakeholders to support your sustainability strategy?

It’s one thing to inform your stakeholders about your sustainability goals, but it’s another thing to gain their support. Luckily, it’s possible – such as by working to understand their needs and involving them in the decision making process.

If your company plays your cards right, you may not only be able to prevent your stakeholders from getting in the way of your sustainability efforts – but you could get your stakeholders to help support your sustainability strategy.

Some ways to get your stakeholders involved with your sustainability strategy include:

Remaining open to their feedback, suggestions, and offers to use their resources in the process of developing a new sustainability strategy;

Seeking multiple ways to communicate your sustainability efforts besides a traditional conversation, such as with blog posts, videos, podcast, and more;

Highlighting and rewarding the accomplishments and benefits of your stakeholders and how your sustainability journey would not have been possible without their support;

Sharing success stories of previous stakeholders that contributed to previous sustainability projects with your current stakeholders for both peace of mind and to motivate them to contribute to the cause at hand;

Find new ways to make your sustainability journey relevant to your stakeholders to spur greater participation.

Overall, your stakeholders have exceptional sway over your company’s sustainability efforts – meaning it is imperative to ensure they fully understand what is at “stake” for them, and to pontificate how your sustainability initiatives could benefit them as well.

If reading this article on if sustainable countries already exist has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance with boosting supplier engagement, personalized assistance, and new ways to involve your employees.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

In this article, we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it’s extracted, and the role it could play in promoting sustainable energy solutions.

What is gold hydrogen?

Gold hydrogen, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen, is emerging as a game-changer in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Unlike other types of hydrogen such as green, blue, and grey hydrogen, gold hydrogen is extracted directly from underground sources where it forms naturally. This production method sets it apart by minimizing environmental impact and harnessing the untapped potential of our planet's natural resources. In this article, we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it is extracted, and whether it can truly offer a sustainable solution for the energy sector.

👉 In this article we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it’s extracted, and the role it could play in promoting sustainable energy solutions. 

Gold hydrogen, sometimes referred to as white, geological, or natural hydrogen, is a naturally occurring hydrogen gas that is sourced directly from the Earth, rather than produced through industrial processes. This form of hydrogen is found in underground reservoirs (much like oil and gas) and is created by natural geological processes. Renewed interest in this natural resource has opened up new possibilities for tapping into clean energy resources that could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Gold hydrogen is different from other types of hydrogen (green, blue, grey, and pink hydrogen) because it is not produced by splitting water molecules or reforming natural gas. Instead, it is extracted from subsurface deposits where it has accumulated naturally. These deposits are often found alongside other geological materials, making them accessible using existing drilling technologies similar to those used in the oil and gas industry.

💡 The formation of gold hydrogen stems from the interaction of water with mineral-rich rocks under high pressure and temperature conditions. This process can also be influenced by natural radioactivity, which facilitates the splitting of water molecules to release hydrogen. The hydrogen gas then migrates and accumulates in porous rocks or other geological formations, resulting in concentrated deposits.

One of the key advantages of gold hydrogen is its minimal environmental impact. Since it requires no combustion or chemical processing to produce, it emits no CO2 or pollutants when extracted. This makes it a highly attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. 

Economically, gold hydrogen could also potentially be extracted at lower costs than other types of hydrogen, especially as technologies and methods for its extraction improve. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its low environmental footprint, positions gold hydrogen as a potentially transformative energy source for various sectors, including transportation, power generation, and heavy industry.

Cemvita Factory's Gold Hydrogen is a novel source of carbon neutral hydrogen produced from depleted oil reservoirs that are ready for plug and abandonment, extending the life of wells that would otherwise be a significant burden. Gold Hydrogen is produced biologically and in the subsurface.

https://www.cemvitafactory.com/gold-h...

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Gold Hydrogen is a Novel Source of Carbon Neutral Hydrogen

How does gold hydrogen compare to other types of hydrogen? 

Gold hydrogen stands out from other hydrogen fuels due to its natural occurrence and extraction methods, which contrast significantly with the production techniques used for other types of hydrogen:

Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power. While green hydrogen is celebrated for its zero-emission profile during production, it requires significant energy input and infrastructure, which can be costly and resource-intensive. Gold hydrogen, on the other hand, is extracted directly from natural reserves, bypassing the need for energy-intensive electrolysis, and potentially reducing overall production costs and environmental impacts.

Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas through processes like steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact typically associated with hydrogen production. However, it still relies on fossil fuels and involves significant infrastructure and energy to manage carbon capture and storage (CCS) effectively.

Grey hydrogen is also produced from natural gas using methods similar to those for blue hydrogen, such as steam methane reforming. The key difference is that in grey hydrogen production, the carbon emissions are not captured but released into the atmosphere, making it less environmentally sustainable. Grey hydrogen currently dominates the market but has a significant carbon footprint due to the unabated release of CO2.

Pink hydrogen is generated through the electrolysis of water using nuclear power. Similar to green hydrogen, pink hydrogen's production is energy-intensive and depends on the availability and development of nuclear infrastructure, which can have its own environmental and safety concerns. 

The extraction of gold hydrogen doesn’t require new energy for its production, which sets it apart from all other hydrogen types. This not only means lower operational costs but also a smaller ecological footprint, as the process reduces the need for large-scale industrial activities typically associated with other hydrogen productions. Furthermore, the use of existing oil and gas infrastructure for extraction can facilitate a faster and more efficient transition to hydrogen energy, repurposing old technologies for new, sustainable purposes.

Green, blue, pink, and even gold! Hydrogen gas is technically invisible but we describe it with "colorful language" depending on how it's made. Let's explore this up and coming source of clean fuels!

Check out GOLD HYDROGEN, developed by our friends at Cemvita Factory:
https://www.goldhydrogen.com/

SOURCES:
Uses of Hydrogen:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/...

Energy density of hydrogen: https://greenecon.net/solar-and-hydro...

The hydrogen color spectrum: 
 https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/...

Methane pyrolysis: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.....

#hydrogenfuel #greenhydrogen #bluehydrogen #cleanfuel

The Colors of Hydrogen

Geologists have long known that hydrogen can be produced underground through natural processes. Yet, despite this knowledge, natural hydrogen extraction wasn’t pursued commercially due to the belief that such deposits were small and rare.

This perception began to change as studies hinted at the presence of more substantial hydrogen deposits under the earth’s surface. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that a more in-depth exploration of these resources began, driven by advances in geological surveying technologies and a growing interest in alternative energy sources.

In recent years researchers have identified more sizeable pockets of natural hydrogen gas. In October 2023, for example, researchers at the French National Centre of Scientific Research uncovered a massive reservoir of natural hydrogen in northeastern France's Lorraine coal basin. This reservoir, which could contain up to 250 million tonnes of hydrogen, demonstrates the potential for substantial hydrogen deposits, comparable in energy capacity to major oil fields like the UK’s Clair field (its largest oil field).

Further discoveries have followed in regions like Spain, Mali, Namibia, Brazil, and the United States, rapidly expanding the map of potential gold hydrogen sites. These findings challenge previous assumptions and have sparked a renewed interest in the feasibility of extracting natural hydrogen on a larger scale.

A note on the role of geology and technology

Geologists play an important role in identifying potential sites for gold hydrogen extraction. The process involves detecting areas with the right geological conditions, such as the presence of iron-rich rocks or radioactive minerals capable of producing hydrogen. Modern geological surveys and technologies enable researchers to pinpoint these areas with greater accuracy, increasing the likelihood of successful extraction.

However, challenges remain in harnessing gold hydrogen. The extraction of this resource requires sophisticated technology and infrastructure, which are still under development. Moreover, the economic viability of extracting hydrogen from these natural reserves depends on the concentration of hydrogen, the depth at which it is found, and the proximity to markets where it can be used. 

The process of extracting gold hydrogen from natural underground deposits is distinct from other types of hydrogen production, mainly due to its less invasive and more environmentally friendly methods. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

The first step in extracting gold hydrogen is drilling wells into identified hydrogen-rich formations. This involves using precision drilling techniques to access the subsurface layers where hydrogen accumulates. The drilling process for gold hydrogen is similar to that used in the oil and gas industry but is typically less complex because gold hydrogen deposits are usually found under less pressure and are less volatile than oil or natural gas.

Unlike the extraction of natural gas or oil, gold hydrogen doesn’t usually require well-stimulation techniques such as hydraulic fracturing. Gold hydrogen deposits can often be accessed without the need to fracture the rock formations, which simplifies the extraction process and minimizes environmental risks. This lack of need for hydraulic fracturing reduces the potential for water contamination and geological disturbances, which are common concerns in fossil fuel extraction.

Once the gold hydrogen is accessed through drilling, it must be collected and purified. This stage is crucial to ensure the hydrogen is of high enough quality for commercial use. The collection process involves capturing the hydrogen gas as it is released from the underground formations. The hydrogen then undergoes purification processes to remove any impurities or gases that may have been present in the deposit or that were released during the drilling process. The goal is to produce pure hydrogen that meets specific purity standards for various applications, such as fuel cells or industrial use.

Despite these advantages, the extraction of gold hydrogen is not without challenges. Common issues include:

Identifying viable sources - Locating underground hydrogen deposits requires sophisticated geological surveys and technologies. As gold hydrogen is a relatively new area of exploration, developing reliable methods for identifying viable sources is ongoing.

Regulatory and safety considerations - Hydrogen is highly flammable, and extracting it safely requires strict safety and regulatory standards.

Economic viability - While potentially cheaper than other types of hydrogen production, the economic viability of extracting gold hydrogen depends on the concentration of hydrogen in natural deposits and the proximity to markets that can utilize it.

The extraction of gold hydrogen is promising but technologically demanding. As research continues and technology advances, the processes for safely and efficiently accessing this clean energy resource will likely become more refined and economically viable. This development has the potential to advance the transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future.

In France's eastern Lorraine region, scientists have uncovered vast deposits of natural hydrogen, one of the cleanest fuels in nature. The discovery could be the biggest of its kind so far, spurring a global energy race for the fuel of the future. The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.

Read more about this story in our article: https://f24.my/A39O.y

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Could natural hydrogen discovered in France be the fuel of the future? • FRANCE 24 English

Gold hydrogen, with its environmentally friendly extraction process, presents potential opportunities across various sectors, including: 

Gold hydrogen could be used to generate clean electricity. In fuel cells, gold hydrogen has the potential to produce electricity without combustion, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This feature makes it an excellent option for power generation in regions aiming to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. Moreover, it could be used to provide a reliable power supply in remote or off-grid areas, supporting decentralized energy systems.

There is potential for gold hydrogen to revolutionize the transportation sector, especially for heavy-duty and long-haul vehicles where electric batteries may not be practical. Hydrogen fuel cells could power buses, trucks, trains, and even ships, reducing reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels. This application could significantly lower the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.

In industries requiring high-grade heat or high energy demands, such as steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing, gold hydrogen could serve as a reducing agent or be burned directly to provide heat, potentially replacing coal and natural gas. This application is critical for carbon-intensive industries that are struggling to decarbonize their operations and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

As a transitional solution, gold hydrogen could be mixed with natural gas and supplied through existing gas infrastructure, gradually increasing the proportion of hydrogen to achieve lower emissions from residential and commercial heating systems. Known as ‘hydrogen-enriched natural gas’, this blend could help transition towards a fully hydrogen-powered system.

What are the pros and cons of gold hydrogen? 

Gold hydrogen is hailed as a promising solution for advancing toward a sustainable and low-carbon future, but like any energy source, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. In this section, we’ll examine the various advantages and disadvantages of this potential energy source. 

Environmental benefits - Gold hydrogen is extracted from natural deposits and does not require the burning of fossil fuels, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions.


Use of existing infrastructure - The technology and processes needed for extracting gold hydrogen are similar to those used in the oil and gas industries. This allows for the repurposing of existing infrastructure and expertise, which can accelerate the deployment of gold hydrogen technologies and reduce initial capital costs.


Energy security - By providing an additional source of clean energy, gold hydrogen can help diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on imported fuels, enhancing national energy security.


Economic opportunities - The exploration and development of gold hydrogen resources can create new jobs and stimulate economic activities. This can bring substantial economic benefits, especially to areas with declining fossil fuel industries.


Environmental impacts - Despite its benefits, the extraction of gold hydrogen could still pose environmental risks. These include potential disturbances to ecosystems from drilling activities, especially if not managed responsibly. There is also the risk of methane or other gases being released during the extraction process, which could negate some of the climate benefits.


Uncertainty of resources - While significant deposits of gold hydrogen have been identified, the overall global distribution and the feasibility of extracting these resources at scale remains uncertain. Geologists need to conduct more extensive research to understand how and where hydrogen gas forms and assess the viability of these deposits for large-scale use.


Risk of delaying other solutions - There is a concern that focusing on gold hydrogen might delay or detract from investments in other renewable energy technologies, such as solar or wind. Critics argue that it could become an excuse to slow down the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 


Potential for unintended consequences - The exploration for gold hydrogen might inadvertently lead to the discovery of new fossil fuel deposits. If not managed carefully, this could lead to increased fossil fuel extraction, contradicting the original goals of reducing carbon emissions.


Regulatory and technical challenges - Safe extraction and transport of hydrogen require stringent regulatory oversight and advanced technologies to prevent leaks and ensure safety - especially since hydrogen is highly flammable. Developing these regulations and technologies will take time and resources.


Economic viability - While potentially less expensive than other forms of hydrogen, the economic viability of extracting gold hydrogen depends heavily on the concentration and accessibility of deposits. The costs associated with exploration, drilling, and establishing safe extraction methods may prove challenging.

💡 Gold hydrogen presents an interesting option for expanding the world's renewable energy portfolio, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. However, its success will depend on overcoming scientific, technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges. As research progresses, the true potential of gold hydrogen will become clearer, helping to determine whether it can serve as a major player in the transition to a sustainable energy future or if it will remain a niche solution within the broader energy landscape. Only time and further investigation will reveal how significant a role gold hydrogen can play in our clean energy future.

Earlier this summer, scientists in northern France discovered what could be a massive deposit of the cheapest and greenest type of hydrogen.
The deposit they found is “white” hydrogen – which means it’s pure, or nearly pure.

Colours denote where hydrogen comes from and what amount of greenhouse gases are released when producing it. Other forms of hydrogen – green, blue or grey, for example – need to be separated from different compounds and can create greenhouse gases.

Nathaniel Dove has more on the discovery and what it means for the global fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10061237/w...
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White hydrogen: How its discovery could help global emissions efforts

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In this article, we’ll explain what “going green” means, the benefits, why it can prove difficult, what it means for businesses, and how you or your company can start going green.

What Does “Going Green” Mean?

In today’s world, almost everyone is aware that going green could play a vital part in helping to reduce climate emissions and transition to a more sustainable global lifestyle overall – but what does going green entail?

Going green is a term used to describe people making a genuine effort to reduce their environmental impact and encourage others around them to do the same, but the nature of our society often makes it difficult for those trying to go green.

What does the term “going green” mean?

The term “going green” refers to the effort for an individual or business to become more aware of their surroundings, how their actions impact the environment, and working to adjust those actions accordingly. 

Going green is usually a decision made over time for most people, as it is difficult to alter all of your daily habits overnight to accommodate more sustainable practices.

Going green does not need to be a sacrifice, either for us as individuals or for businesses, governments and the economy.


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Going green shouldn't be this hard

💡Going green is often a slow, gradual process – but the good news is that many small actions can be considered a part of going green and can help to make a difference in protecting our planet and mitigating climate change.

Taking public transportation instead of driving

Using a reusable water bottle or shopping bag

Trying meatless mondays and eating more plant-based meals

Opting for sustainable packaging of your company’s products

Choosing energy efficient appliances in your home

👉 Generally, any change in behavior made in attempts to reduce the amount of waste or pollution created on you or your company’s behalf can be considered an effort to go green.

There are numerous benefits to going green for both individuals and businesses, such as helping to reduce your carbon footprint, cutting down on waste generation, and even reducing personal or business expenses.

Going green is beneficial for the planet, but it can also help to improve the quality of your own life or open up doors for new business opportunities.

Here are some of the benefits of going green:

Reduce Pollution – Going green often means making an effort to avoid taking high polluting means of transportation or engaging in activities that pollute the environment. This could include refraining from taking a road trip with a gasoline powered car until you’ve purchased an electric vehicle. Therefore, going green can have a direct impact on the amount of ozone-depleting substances, greenhouse gasses, and carbon emissions in the air – and help to reduce our air pollution and improve air quality. 

Cut Back on Waste – One of the most convenient ways for someone to start going green is for them to avoid purchasing single use plastic or using plastic on their own behalf. This means that going green can help to promote the importance of recycling and reduce the amount of unnecessary waste that usually ends up in landfills.  

Conserve Natural Resources – People who subscribe to the notion of going green will often make an effort to shut of lights when not in the room, take shorter showers, and implement the use of renewable energy or energy efficient appliances wherever possible. All of these ventures will help to conserve vital and sparse resources such as water, and also mitigate the use of more harmful resources such as fossil fuels.

Protect Vital Wildlife & Ecosystems – Going green doesn’t only help to improve the quality of your own life, but for wildlife as well! This is because many of the protocols associated with going green can help to preserve our valuable ecosystems and the species that live there – such as working to prevent deforestation by avoiding the consumption of products from brands that contribute to destroying forest and agricultural lands. 

Save Money – Although going green may seem like an expensive effort at first, but over time – going green can help you to reduce your monthly living expenses. This can include no longer needing to fill up your car with gas as a result of using public transportation, not needing to purchase plastic water bottles since you now use a reusable water bottle, or paying less for your monthly utility bill as you’ve switched to more energy efficient appliances. 

Improve Your Health – Going green often means making an effort to change your daily lifestyle, which includes the meals you eat. Many people may choose to start eating less meat and switch their usual go-to meals for more vegetarian and vegan friendly options – many of which will incorporate the use of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are good for your health.

👉 Even though going green may seem overwhelming and challenging at first, the long-term benefits of going green often outweigh the difficulties required to curate a more sustainable life in the first place.

Going green may seem like an achievable venture on the surface, but the reality is that society makes it exceptionally difficult for any effort in-line with “going green” to prove exceptionally effective – especially as many industries continue to use for things such as single use packaging or excessive consumption. 

Although going green can and should still be practiced amongst the majority of people, many cultures make it difficult for people to practice the values associated with going green – such as the constant societal pressure to update your technology or take a luxurious trip.

Here are a few reasons why going green may not be as easy as it appears:

Consumerism Culture – Several industries still pride themselves on the ability to sell more. A prime example of this is the current set up of the music industry, where famous singer Billie Elish recently discussed her aggravation with the need for several artists to sell multiple variations of the same vinyl record. This is because several artists seek to produce more hard copies of their records with various exclusive tracks in order to boost their positions on the billboard charts, but as a result – this makes it difficult for music fans to practice “going green”.

Peer Pressure – Even the toughest people eventually fall subject to peer pressure, such as feeling the need to update their phones or travel – both of which can contribute to excess emissions and waste generation. However, even if there isn’t any societal pressure to update your phone or take an unnecessary short-haul flight – some apps may not work if you don’t update your phone, and some places are difficult to travel to without flying. Therefore, much of the world is still set-up to make “going green” less impactful than it could be. 

Extra Time & Money – Opting to take the metro instead of driving your car means you need to allot for a longer commuting time. In a similar sense, choosing to switch to the use of a reusable water bottle or washable produce bags means needing to invest in all of those materials upfront. Many people cannot afford the luxury of the time or money often needed for “going green”.

👉As a result, going green is often more difficult than it may seem due to the fact much of the world is not built to accommodate the actions or efforts associated with going green – as people will need to allocate additional time, money, and effort to effectively practice going green.

What does going green mean for businesses?

Businesses that choose to subscribe to the effort of going green are bound to experience several competitive advantages: such as newfound stakeholder interest, attracting new customers, and boosting brand image. 

It is slowly, and indirectly, becoming compulsory for businesses to “go green” – as new climate legislation and environmental regulations are requiring companies to be more upfront about the environmental impact and annual emissions.

As a result of the newfound desire for customers, stakeholders, investors, and governments wanting businesses to be more transparent about how their business actions impact the environment – going green can help companies stay one-step-ahead of these trending expectations. 

Additional benefits for businesses that commit to going green include:

Improved Brand Reputation – Especially amongst Gen Z, a business working on going green is more likely to catch the attention of new consumers!

Reduced Operational Costs – Going green often means your business will seek to use renewable energy or energy efficient appliances, which in turn – means mitigating superfluous energy usage and lowering your company’s utility bills. 

Comply with Environmental Regulations – New environmental regulations are coming in a full-speed, making it overwhelming for companies to comply – but going green can help your company ensure it adheres to all current and future eoc-friendly protocols. 

Increased Consumer & Stakeholder Interest – Many customers and stakeholders alike will be more likely to financially contribute to a company going green. This ultimately gives your company a competitive advantage.

Attract New Talent to Your Business – Up to 70% of people prefer to work for sustainable companies, meaning that going green could help to grow your business and attract new employees.

New Financial Opportunities – Going green isn’t just good for the planet, but your company’s finances – as governments, organizations, and investors alike will often be open to providing financial aid or other grants to businesses making a tangible effort to go green.

👉 Overall, going green isn’t just about getting rid of a guilt conscious at your company – but it can help your business to be more successful.

How can you or your company start going green?

There are lots of ways that your company can start going green, such as by offering reusable cups and utensils in the office, implementing energy efficient appliances at home or in the office, and setting up recycling bins.

Going green may seem overwhelming to many, and that’s why it’s best to start small and work your way up to bigger sustainable goals.

You or your company can start going green in your home or at the office by:

Supporting local sustainable and environmental causes

At the end of the day, “going green” may be hard to define by many – but it simply means making an effort to reduce your environmental impact in any way you can. 

Luckily, there are many ways to practice “going green” – and if your company is stuck on where to start, Greenly can help!

If reading this article about what it means to go green has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie Safdie holds a bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature from the University of Maryland College Park, where she specialized in multimedia studies and media literacy to write engaging content made for the internet. She previously worked as a social media content video creator, freelance copywriter, and continues to write SEO generated content for her travel website. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. Her work at Greenly covers a wide variety of topics, such as the impact of popular culture events on the environment, offering unique ideas for sustainable development, and breaking down new climate legislation in simple terms. As Stephanie is passionate about linking the bridge between the everyday activities we love to do (such as travel, concerts, fashion, food, etc.) and the effect it has on the environment, she is pursuing further training for more in-depth journalistic endeavors on the environment in the future.

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Copywriter specializing in environmental thematics

Ines Gendre is a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. She joined Greenly's team in 2022.

Ines Gendre

Ines Gendre holds a master’s degree in marketing and began her career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. After retraining, she joined Greenly in 2022 as a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. Ines brings her expertise to companies and individuals seeking to understand the challenges of climate change, the green transition, and their impact on society and the economy. Trained in key tools for developing climate strategies - such as Carbon Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and carbon offsetting - she will begin studying political science at Oxford University in England in January 2025.

Kara joined the team at Greenly in 2023 as SEO copywriter for the UK market.

Kara Anderson - Greenly

Kara Anderson holds an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in international law from the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen, specializing in human rights and EU law, where she developed strong research and writing skills. After working at Ernst & Young as part of their audit graduate scheme and gaining experience in analytics, she transitioned to advertising, working with major global brands like American Express and Dove.
In 2023, Kara joined Greenly as a writer, focusing on sustainability and climate-related topics for the UK market. Her work spans a wide range of environmental issues, including climate science, sustainable development, and climate policy. Collaborating with climate scientists, Kara has produced data-driven investigations into key climate challenges. With a passion for international politics, sustainable development, and climate change science, she continues to build her expertise in the field and is currently pursuing further training in journalism.

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch

Quentin Bourhis, Climate Expert at Greenly

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment. 

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale. 

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