Alejandro Conte

Many companies have shown a greater concern for environmental care in recent years due to the growing expectations of an increasingly aware public. In this context, organizations should consider this strategic approach as a necessary investment not only to develop in today's market, but also as an opportunity for growth. Here are some essential strategies to manage and control environmental impacts, minimize ecological footprint, comply with environmental regulations, and promote sustainable practices throughout operations. Reducing electricity consumption The business model of many companies involves unavoidable electricity consumption, the production of which has various environmental impacts, such as the emission of greenhouse gases, the transformation of ecosystems, the impact on biodiversity and the generation of harmful substances. There are two main strategies for reducing this consumption: not consuming or being more efficient. The first strategy can be summarized in the phrase: “the cleanest energy is the one that is not consumed”. The collaboration of all members of the company is necessary to make this idea a reality. Small actions such as proper management of air conditioning equipment or turning off lights and screens that are not being used can make a difference in the electricity bill. The second tactic is to renew those devices that have high energy consumption. In order to reduce kW consumption, many companies have invested in more energy-efficient devices, which has led to a significant decrease in electricity consumption. ✅ This way it is possible to decouple economic growth from environmental impact. EMS implementation In order to know which environmental aspects must be controlled by the organization, it is necessary to make a study from the perspective of the life cycle of the inputs and outputs that are produced in it. Many companies in recent years have resorted to the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) to carry out this task. An EMS makes it possible to analyze and control all aspects that may have an impact on the environment, making it a key tool in any decision-making process. Moreover, an EMS is a tool that can be certified by the ISO 14001:2015 standard or the EMAS III Regulation, which greatly facilitates its capacity for continuous improvement. Some organizations have created Integrated Management Systems certified by standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, making it possible to act transversally in all areas of the company from a combined quality and environmental approach. Motivating employees to recycle Although recycling is an action that many of us carry out on a daily basis, sometimes it takes a little effort. In these cases, in addition to awareness programs, it is especially useful to install clear and visually attractive signage that provides the necessary information to indicate where to deposit each waste, since in many cases, recycling is not carried out due to lack of knowledge. ✅ Periodic surveys can help to know if the staff is adequately separating the waste they produce. Having specific containers for the treatment of batteries and other hazardous waste also promotes their proper treatment and ensures the traceability of the waste. How to promote the circular economy The current economic model can be considered linear, since it is based on “take, produce and dispose”, with large amounts of energy and other resources readily available and at low economic cost. However, this model is reaching the limit of its physical capacity. On the other hand, the circular economy is an economic system in which the value of resources lasts as long as possible, conserving and enhancing natural capital, and minimizing waste and the release of hazardous substances at all stages of the life cycle. ✅ Promoting the circular economy through the use of reconditioned equipment and the application of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) can avoid the emission of tons ofCO2 and the excessive use of water, contributing significantly to sustainability. Knowing the immediate environment The study of the natural spaces that are present in the surroundings of the facilities of a given organization is fundamental, since it is a way of integrating into the environment and demonstrating the company's commitment to society. ✅ Promoting responsible use of nearby natural areas and preventing possible nuisances to the population, fauna or flora derived from the business activity demonstrates a genuine commitment to the environment. Proper waste management It is important to know which waste can be more harmful to the environment or to people's health, although the overall management of waste is a fundamental requirement for any environmentally responsible company. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a very relevant aspect. These wastes, generated from devices that need electric current or electromagnetic fields to operate, contain hazardous substances that can have significant negative impacts on the environment and human health. ✅ It is essential to properly treat all WEEE, ensuring its reuse or proper recycling. The final recovery of WEEE is key, as many of these wastes contain scarce natural resources whose extraction has a large environmental impact. Create awareness and training plan for the workforce The effectiveness of the measures taken by the environmental area of a given organization depends on the level of employee involvement. The key to encouraging this involvement is to keep staff up to date with the latest environmental news and knowledge. ✅ A well-designed training plan, with a catalog of courses of interest and regular mailings of relevant environmental information, can significantly increase employee interest and participation in the company's environmental initiatives. ______ Example: acens, part of Telefónica Tech Environmental Management System (EMS) Our Environmental Management System (EMS) is certified by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, which allows to act transversally in all areas of the company from a combined quality and environmental approach. It is focused on minimizing the impact on the natural and social environment which includes, among other actions: Investment in more energy-efficient devices, which has allowed us to reduce electricity consumption by 20%. Promotion of the responsible use of areas near our facilities in Madrid, such as the Valdelatas Park and Monte de El Pardo. Proper management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), ensuring its recycling and recovery to avoid negative impacts. Promotion of the circular economy through the use of reconditioned equipment and the application of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Use of internal tools to train and raise employee awareness of good environmental practices. IA & Data Green algorithms for AI sustainability October 3, 2024