One of my favorite Chinese proverbs says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best moment is now”.
This statement couldn’t be more apt as organizations continue to place an emphasis on understanding their customers’ sustainability needs, assessing their top sources of emissions, prioritizing positive impacts in their communities, and further refining overall company governance. Historically, many organizations have invested in strategies to address these issues, but a growing number of companies recognize the crucial moment we now face in reversing the damaging effects of climate change, and how environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices solid ones can contribute even more. This trip. The time to act is now.
As we collectively work towards a low-carbon economy, which is both a huge challenge and an opportunity, a growing number of companies have a watchful eye to advance their sustainability efforts and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. and the associated carbon footprint. A key part of that includes reducing energy use and exploring options for renewable energy sources at all manufacturing sites.
We recently announced the commissioning of a high-efficiency power generation facility at PPG’s automotive coatings manufacturing site in Quattordio, Italy. Through an agreement with a third-party developer of high-efficiency power generation solutions, the facility is expected to reduce energy costs by 13% and carbon dioxide emissions by 10% annually. This is just one example of actions manufacturers can take to further their energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, and ultimately reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, organizations should also consider committing to collaborate with various stakeholders along their respective value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consider setting a science-based target (SBT) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse. PPG recently engaged with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to define new Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets that define a path to reduce the impacts of climate change. We are proud to have joined the more than 3,000 companies that have committed to SBTi and will use this commitment as the foundation for our future sustainability goals. I encourage manufacturers to consider taking decarbonization steps now to continue our responsibility as corporate stewards of the environment in which we live and work.
As we move to a low-carbon economy and identify new ways to lessen the impact of businesses’ upstream and downstream sources of emissions, organizations must measure the positive impact and steps taken to improve waste use, water and energy. We must also focus on the human aspect of ESG. I encourage companies to develop and act on strong diversity, equity and inclusion goals as a business imperative, as well as focus on corporate social responsibility actions.
If your organization is committed to leading the charge in protecting and preserving the planet for future generations, creating more inclusive communities, and making a positive impact in the places where you live and work, the time to take bold action was 20 years ago, but the Arguably the second best time is right now.
Diane Kappas is PPG’s vice president of global sustainability. She also represents PPG in the “Sustainability 50” organization, a private community for sustainability leaders from globally respected organizations to share ideas, solutions and collaborate on climate change issues. PPG’s 2021 ESG report is available at sustainability.ppg.com.