The Spark #29: Greener Schoolyards, Sustainability Recession and Heatrisk Tools
From the post-2020 era to now, it feels like we've experienced a corporate social responsibility whiplash.
Loud commitments have become quieter (or even revoked) as consumers grow more educated and regulations tighten. We're seeing a shift towards integrating ESG into business as usual, rather than making grandiose commitments. A recent study even showed that brands are spending more on reporting than on actual strategies (47% more actually!).
The key now is to refocus resources on actual impactful actions rather than on the noise surrounding them.
News You May Have Missed This Week
In a controversial move, B Lab- the organization responsible for certifying B Corporations, revoked the status of ad agency Forsman & Bodenfors due to its ties with Shell. This decision highlights the growing scrutiny on companies' relationships with the fossil fuel industry and underscores the importance of aligning business practices with sustainability principles.
A project by "Learning Landscapes" transformed Denver schoolyards into green spaces. This resulted in measurable benefits, including improved student attendance, academic achievement, and mental well-being. Green spaces also help with social cohesion and environmental justice, pointing towards the economic and social benefits of integrating nature into urban settings.
Focusing solely on easy-to-measure metrics in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives can lead to superficial progress. True progress requires a more nuanced approach that incorporates evidence-based decision making and has a wider involvement.
With carbon reduction becoming a top ESG priority, proptech companies are gaining traction in the real estate industry. They offer technologies that facilitate large-scale decarbonization efforts. Regulatory pressure and tenant demand are driving a shift towards building-wide carbon management strategies. This focus on decarbonization is transforming how buildings operate, from measuring emissions to implementing solutions that reduce carbon footprint. Proptech firms are emerging as key players in creating a more sustainable built environment.
Corporate sustainability efforts are facing a temporary decline, often termed the "sustainability recession." This slowdown is attributed to reduced corporate focus and political challenges. However, the realities of climate change and the financial benefits of clean technology are expected to spur a resurgence in sustainability efforts. Regulatory demands, investor pressure, and the long-term business viability linked to addressing these issues will likely compel companies to prioritize sustainability once again.
The HeatRisk tool, developed by the CDC and NOAA, provides more information than just temperature readings by assessing the relative danger of heat waves. By incorporating local data and other factors, it categorizes heat risks on a scale of 0 to 4, allowing communities to create better preparation plans for extreme heat events. This tool is especially helpful for vulnerable populations like outdoor workers and the homeless, although its limitations require ongoing updates as global warming intensifies.
The Conversation Continues...
This post is part of our ongoing exploration into how ESG accountability, climate resilience, and community innovation are reshaping the sustainability landscape. As problem-solvers, we believe the best insights emerge when diverse perspectives meet. Have you encountered similar challenges or discovered different approaches? Share your story.
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We acknowledge that social sustainability is always a work in progress. These insights represent our current understanding, shaped by our partners, communities, and continuous learning.