Sustainability as a strategic opportunity

Digitalisation and sustainability go hand in hand. On the one hand, digitalisation itself generates significant CO2 emissions, such as the operation of data centres and the energy consumption of digital devices. On the other hand, it offers enormous opportunities: Making processes more efficient and resource efficient.

 

A climate change strategy makes it possible to strategically plan sustainability and put it into practice in combination with digitalisation measures. The so-called ‘double transformation’, i.e. the simultaneous digitalisation and sustainable targeting of businesses, can: long-term competitive advantages achieved. Digitalisation will thus become the key to innovative solutions in the field of circular economy, energy efficiency and sustainable production.

Examples are the use of green IT, sustainable cloud solutions or AI applications that help reduce emissions and optimise resources.

 

See sustainability as an opportunity

A sound climate change strategy is not only an opportunity for companies to assume their responsibilities towards the environment and society. It also creates a Basis for innovation, “improves market position and reduces costs in the long term. Sustainability is not a cost factor, but a Investing in the future.

 

Increasing efficiency through digital processes

Digital solutions such as cloud computing, automation and paperless workflows help save resources. Switching to digital documents saves not only paper but also energy needed for printers and logistics.

 

Introduce paperless processes

Digital documents and workflows replace physical paper stacks, thus preserving valuable resources.

• Review: Check which processes in your company or household are still paper-based (e.g. invoices, contracts, internal communication).
• Tool selection: Select a platform such as Adobe Acrobat or DocuSign (for digital signatures), Microsoft SharePoint (for document management) or Google Workspace (for collaborative work). The selection is diverse and should fit in with your processes, data protection requirements or targets and companies.
• Implementation: Start with a small area, e.g. e-invoicing, and gradually build it.

They reduce paper consumption, save energy for printers and reduce space for archiving.

 

Sustainable supply chain through digitalisation

Optimising your supply chains can reduce emissions and increase resource efficiency.

• Collect data: Use tools such as ECOVADIS or GreenBiz Tracker to measure and compare the carbon footprint of your suppliers.
• Optimised: Use AI-based platforms such as o9 Solutions to optimise transport routes and minimise empty runs.
• Cooperation: Work with suppliers that have proven to implement sustainable practices and integrate these criteria into your supplier selection.

In addition to cost savings, they achieve less transport emissions, less waste and a more sustainable value chain.

 

Conclusion

The implementation of a sustainable business strategy requires commitment but offers multiple benefits. Transparent communication, the involvement of all stakeholders and consistent implementation can pave the way for a more sustainable economy. Companies that act today not only shape a better world, but also secure competitive advantages for tomorrow.

 

Shape your sustainable future – now is the time to act!

 

Join us in our three collaborative series of workshops, with practical insights on the sustainability strategy and reporting:

 

Series of workshops: Added value through sustainability strategy and reporting 1/3

Series of workshops: Added value through sustainability strategy and reporting 2/3

Series of workshops: Added value through sustainability strategy and reporting 3/3