Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is a critical issue that affects businesses in numerous ways. It impacts talent recruitment, employee health and productivity, and overall operational costs. Recognizing the contribution of businesses to air pollution, leaders are increasingly committing to sustainability and clean air initiatives. Businesses are adopting measures to reduce air pollution, such as encouraging remote work, promoting sustainable practices, and setting ambitious emissions reduction targets. Consumers are also favoring greener companies, creating an incentive for businesses to prioritize sustainability. Additionally, advancements in sensor technologies and analytics enable businesses to measure and address their air pollution footprint effectively. These collective efforts by businesses have the potential to improve air quality, enhance operational performance, and build a sustainable future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reducing the number of cars on the road | Decreases the amount of harmful emissions released into the air |
| Encouraging remote work | Small but meaningful decrease in air pollution |
| Choosing more eco-friendly means of transportation | Walking, biking, public transportation, carpooling |
| Using plants as a structural means to protect against air pollution | Dense hedges planted adjacent to a road have been found to reduce particle deposits |
| Using electrically powered items | Yard tools, vehicles, stoves |
| Using cleaner energy sources | Solar, wind, etc. |
| Reducing carbon emissions | Switch to a hybrid or zero-emission vehicle |
| Disposing of garbage correctly | Do not burn garbage |
| Storing food properly | |
| Managing construction within the complex | |
| Reducing air pollution in India | Would boost the economy and business |
| Reducing air pollution in the workplace | Improved employee health and productivity |
| Measuring air pollution emissions | Setting ambitious reduction targets |
| Joining coalitions and alliances | Alliance for Clean Air, Net Zero Carbon Cities |
What You'll Learn
Businesses are adopting measures to reduce air pollution
Major multinationals are now taking steps to address this problem. The Alliance for Clean Air, a coalition of business leaders, has developed a guide to help businesses measure and reduce their air pollutant emissions. Members of this alliance include prominent companies like Google, Siemens, Ikea, and Maersk. These companies are working to establish their air pollution footprints and set ambitious targets to reduce emissions.
Businesses can implement more sustainable practices by examining the emissions from their operations and those of their suppliers. This may involve shifting to more environmentally friendly practices, such as using cleaner energy sources and encouraging employees to adopt eco-friendly transportation methods. For instance, employees can be encouraged to walk, bike, use public transportation, or carpool, reducing the number of cars on the road and the associated harmful emissions.
Additionally, businesses can prioritize environmental sustainability by encouraging environmental stewardship among their employees. They can set dedicated time for employees to engage with environmental and community groups working to combat air pollution. This not only contributes to a healthier planet but also enhances brand value and revenue.
Some specific actions that businesses can take include proper waste disposal, correct food storage, and managing possible pollutant sources like pest control and construction within their premises. They can also adopt cleaner technologies, such as electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, and promote the use of electric vehicles. By taking these measures, businesses can play a crucial role in improving air quality and creating a sustainable future.
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Companies are integrating clean air into their climate and ESG strategies
One way companies are integrating clean air into their strategies is by adopting new technologies and practices. This includes using cleaner energy sources, such as switching to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment and favouring electrically powered items over gas-powered options, which release harmful pollutants and contribute to climate change. Businesses are also encouraging employees to choose more environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as walking, biking, public transportation, and carpooling, or even offering remote work options to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Another way companies are taking action is by joining initiatives and alliances dedicated to tackling air pollution. For example, the Alliance for Clean Air, which includes companies like Google, Siemens, Ikea, and Maersk, is the first global private sector initiative to tackle air pollution. Members of this alliance are working to establish their air pollution footprints and set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. Additionally, the Clean Air Fund and Dalberg Advisors have challenged the narrative that economic growth and good air quality are always in conflict, demonstrating how solving air pollution can benefit businesses and boost the economy.
Furthermore, companies are recognising the importance of sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues in their performance. The demand for ESG investing, which considers environmental, social, and governance factors alongside financial factors, is growing globally. By addressing air pollution, businesses can improve their ESG performance, consumer loyalty, brand value, and talent attraction and retention. The business action toolkit for clean air, launched in partnership with the World Economic Forum and Accenture, provides a step-by-step process for companies to build a compelling business case for acting on clean air.
Overall, companies are integrating clean air into their climate and ESG strategies by adopting new technologies, joining dedicated alliances, recognising the economic benefits of clean air, and utilising resources like the business action toolkit to drive change and create a sustainable future.
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Businesses are disrupting outdated practices that pollute the planet
Businesses are increasingly recognising the need to disrupt outdated practices that pollute the planet. The Clean Air Fund and Dalberg Advisors, for instance, have challenged the narrative that economic growth and good air quality are always in conflict. Their report, "Air pollution in India and the impact on business", demonstrates how reducing air pollution increases economic growth.
Indeed, businesses are beginning to realise that clean air is fundamental to tackling many issues, including the climate crisis and improving employee productivity. As such, companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and air pollution emissions. For example, the Alliance for Clean Air, a coalition of business leaders, has adopted a guide on how to measure air pollution across value chains, enabling companies to understand their impact on air pollution and set ambitious reduction targets.
Another way businesses are disrupting outdated practices is by adopting more sustainable practices. This includes encouraging employees to work remotely, carpool, or use more environmentally friendly means of transportation. Businesses can also implement cleaner energy sources, such as switching to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, and using more efficient appliances and heating systems.
Furthermore, businesses are taking the Clean Air Pledge, demonstrating their commitment to clean air and greater environmental health. They are also prioritising environmental sustainability across their organisations, encouraging environmental stewardship among employees, and setting dedicated time for employees to give back to environmental and community groups working to fight air pollution.
By disrupting outdated practices and taking action on air pollution, businesses can improve their performance, build a sustainable future, and positively impact the planet.
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Businesses are encouraging employees to use alternative, eco-friendly transportation
Businesses are increasingly recognising the need to encourage employees to adopt eco-friendly transportation methods. This is a critical step not only for reducing air pollution but also for improving the company's bottom line and talent retention.
One effective strategy is to incentivise the use of public transportation, such as buses, trains, or metros. Companies can partner with transit providers to offer employees discounted passes or subsidies, making it more affordable and attractive to leave their cars at home. Additionally, businesses can promote carpooling by establishing ride-sharing programs and offering perks like preferred parking spots for carpoolers.
Active transportation options like walking and cycling should also be encouraged. Employers can provide secure bike storage, on-site showers, and changing facilities to cater to employees who choose these eco-friendly modes of transport. Implementing walking groups or bike-to-work days can further promote these sustainable and healthy options.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work and flexible schedules, play a crucial role in reducing the need for daily commutes. This not only decreases transportation emissions but also improves employee satisfaction and productivity by offering a better work-life balance.
By encouraging employees to use alternative, eco-friendly transportation, businesses can contribute to reducing air pollution, improving the environment, and enhancing the well-being and satisfaction of their workforce.
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Businesses
Businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability and their role in tackling air pollution. While businesses contribute to air pollution through their supply chains, transportation, manufacturing, and other activities, they are also taking initiatives to address this issue.
One notable effort is the Alliance for Clean Air, a coalition of business leaders committed to measuring and reducing air pollutant emissions across their value chains. This alliance, launched at COP26, includes prominent companies like Google, Siemens, Ikea, and Maersk. These members are working to establish their air pollution footprints and set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. Additionally, the Alliance for Clean Air has adopted a guide developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Inter IKEA Group, enabling members to quantify their emissions and consider the impact of their climate mitigation strategies on air quality.
Another significant development is the launch of a business action toolkit for clean air at COP27, in partnership with the World Economic Forum and Accenture. This toolkit aims to illustrate how taking action for clean air can improve ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, enhance consumer loyalty, increase brand value, and facilitate talent attraction and retention. By providing a step-by-step process, the toolkit supports companies in integrating clean air into their climate and ESG strategies, regardless of their size or location.
Businesses can implement a range of practices to reduce air pollution. This includes encouraging remote work, carpooling, and the use of more eco-friendly transportation options, which can significantly decrease harmful emissions. Additionally, businesses can adopt more sustainable practices, such as using cleaner energy sources, improving waste management, and engaging employees in environmental initiatives. Community-based air monitoring and education can also play a crucial role in empowering communities with access to actionable air quality data and raising awareness about air pollution issues.
Some companies are also focusing on innovation and driving change by investing in low-emission technologies, goods, and services. This includes the development and utilisation of electric or hand-powered equipment, such as electric lawn care tools, electric stoves, and electric or hybrid vehicles, which contribute to reducing air pollutants.
By taking these initiatives and committing to sustainability, businesses can not only improve their performance and build a sustainable future but also positively impact the environment, society, and their own operations.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution has a detrimental effect on many ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues, including health, climate, childhood development, and social equity. Businesses that overlook this critical problem suffer from its consequences. Employees breathing polluted air are much more likely to experience reduced cognitive performance, which leads to reduced productivity and work absences. Poor air quality also impacts talent recruitment as cities with severe air pollution are viewed as less desirable places to work.
The Alliance for Clean Air, a coalition of business leaders, has adopted a first-of-its-kind guide on how to measure air pollution across value chains. This guide, developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Inter IKEA Group, enables businesses to quantify their air pollutant emissions and consider the impact of their climate mitigation strategies on air pollution.
Businesses can implement more sustainable practices by looking at the emissions released from their operations and supply chains. This may include using cleaner energy sources, encouraging environmentally friendly transportation for employees, disposing of garbage correctly, and managing possible pollutant sources like pest control and construction. Businesses can also set dedicated employee time to give back to environmental and community groups working to fight air pollution.
Consumers are choosing to spend with greener companies, so taking action on clean air could increase brand value and revenue. Businesses with cleaner air will experience improved employee health, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity. Additionally, solving air pollution can boost economic growth and consumer spending, as seen in the example of India, where reducing air pollution-related sick leaves increased revenues for businesses.
The Alliance for Clean Air, including companies like Google, Siemens, IKEA, and Maersk, is the first global private sector initiative to tackle air pollution. Its members are working to establish their air pollution footprints and set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. Additionally, the European Commission's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) includes the adoption of EU Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) that require companies to disclose air pollutants.
