What are the issues?


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There are a number of serious pressures facing the natural environment.  Here we summarise them and explain why they are relevant to business. Visit our Practical Support page to see how BITC can help your business manage these issues through the Mayday Journey.

 

  • Climate Change

    It is now widely recognised that the increase in global temperature is a result of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels to create energy. The UK government has committed to a 34% reduction in carbon by 2020 against a 1990 baseline. We set up the Mayday Network in 2007 to support UK business to take action on climate change and our primary and ongoing objective is to encourage and support all businesses to measure, report and seek to reduce their carbon footprint. We do this by supporting them through the Mayday Journey.

  • Water

    On current economic and population growth trajectories, global water supplies will satisfy only 60 percent of demand by 2030. Inefficient use of freshwater, pollution of freshwater sources and excessive extraction is resulting in areas of water stress. Water scarcity therefore poses a material risk to business with rising prices, heightened regulation, physical security risks and greater market competition. Use the Mayday Journey to start managing your water footprint and realise the benefits and opportunities of responsible water stewardship.

  • Waste

    Waste is becoming a key management issue for businesses. In addition to its environmental impacts waste costs around 4% of business turnover. Businesses are increasingly realising the price of discarding some waste and the inherent value in reusing the rest. The Mayday Journey supports businesses to manage and reduce their waste output.

  • Travel

    Travel is a significant source of most businesses carbon emissions; from the miles travelled by employees to reach their place of work, to flights taken to visit clients and win business. The ways2work campaign promotes sustainable travel and alternatives to travel reducing your businesses environmental impact and improving employee wellbeing.

  • Biodiversity

    Businesses are increasingly understanding the importance of their relationship with the natural world and how they can integrate business activity with the essential preservation of natural resources, landscapes and species. We provide examples of businesses who have successfully combined business performance with the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of essential ecosystem services. The Mayday Journey points to current sources of guidance.

     

  • Behavioural change

    Engaging your stakeholders is crucial to embed sustainability throughout your business operations. The Mayday Journey offers support and best practice ideas on engaging employees and developing sustainability leadership skills, collaborating with suppliers and engaging customers. Support is also provided by other BITC programmes such as ways2work, Marketplace and Start.

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