The first installment of the three-part Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which presents the best available scientific basis for climate change, has already been published by the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—and it’s not looking good. 

The report concludes that human-driven emissions of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and their precursors are almost certainly the dominant cause of rising sea levels and sea surface temperature, extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and melting glaciers and ice sheets. 

Humans are at risk of pushing the planet into a state of “Hothouse Earth”, a trajectory theory in which Earth becomes uninhabitable and most life dies off. Fortunately, the report also suggests that it may still be possible to limit global temperature rise below 1.5°C, but only if governments and businesses actively implement policies based on a “coordinated international effort” to reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades.

What this means for your brand
The need for everyone to get together to realize a greener future is getting dire, and this is where you and your brand come into play: You can make a significant difference by implementing sustainable management practices that will contribute greatly towards preserving the environment.

Is there hope for the planet? The answer depends largely on your business. If you are still missing the boat and are under the impression that transitioning to sustainability is difficult, take a look at these brands to see what you can learn. All of them employ a range of initiatives and strategies to produce energy in a cleaner way, reduce carbon footprint, and protect humanity from wild weather patterns.

Magniflex
Known as the leading mattress manufacturer in Italy, Magniflex has already established its presence in 98 international markets, including the Philippines. The brand has always strived for environmental sustainability by using solar panels for improved and cleaner energy supply and vacuum packaging for mattress volume reduction. This packaging method, which was patented in 1986, has resulted in fewer trucks on the roads, and thus lower CO2 emissions.

At present, Magniflex has secured 11 certifications. Three of which are from OEKO-TEX®, which ensures all products are “free from toxic substances or any substance that is harmful to humans and the environment;” OEKO-TEX Sustainable Textile Production (STeP), which recognizes the “use of environment-friendly technologies and products, efficient use of resources, and the maintenance and development of sustainable production conditions;” and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which certifies that all fabrics used in its Toscana collection and Yoga accessories are “made with 100% organic materials to the maximum protection of man and the environment we live in.”

Human Nature
With the ultimate goal of uplifting communities from the underprivileged sector, Human Nature has been sourcing raw and homegrown ingredients since 2008—the same year when the brand was officially launched. The brand partnered with Gawad Kalinga in procuring natural materials such as citronella, coconut oil, and lemongrass at above-market prices for its first line of products. Not long after, it was able to introduce more products that are effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

In 2011, Human Nature gained an animal cruelty-free certification from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is also a member of the Natural Products Association, the largest nonprofit organization that upholds the strictest criteria of natural claims globally. 

The brand’s vision has also bagged international awards: Social Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young (2011), Global Social Entrepreneur Award from World Economic Forum’s Schwab Foundation (2012), and Sustainability Pioneer Award from Ecovia Intelligence (Organic Monitor)—a first for any Asian beauty brand.

Arya Residences
Reckoned as one of the most desirable residential developments in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Arya Residences is known for its building orientation that scoops wind for better ventilation, low-emitting and non-toxic building materials, energy-efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems, low-flow water-efficient plumbing features, rainwater harvesting and recycling system, and landscaped deck with indigenous plants.

Because of this, the high-end residential enclave has received three certifications in a span of four years: the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the US Green Building Council (2016), the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) 4-star certification (2018), and the Advancing Net Zero Philippines (ANZ/PH) 3-star certification by the Philippine Green Building Council (2020).

In 2020, Arya Residences reduced its energy consumption by 69 percent, water usage by 52 percent, and CO2 and other GHG emissions by 36 percent compared to the previous year.

HOPE: Business for Good
Founded in 2012, HOPE: Business for Good sells HOPE-branded products such as purified drinking water, coconut water, tote bags, and shirts to build public school classrooms in partnership with the Department of Education. 

Besides advocating for accessible education, the brand has inevitably become the country’s first Certified B Corp due to these game-changing initiatives: neutralizing plastic footprints to promote environmentally responsible consumption of goods through the Plastic Credit Exchange and securing livelihood for thousands of smallholder farmers through the Hope in a Coconut campaign. 

What does this certification mean though? According to Torrens University Australia, Certified B Corporations are “businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.”

HOPE: Business for Good also won Best Community Initiative and Best New Brand at the Global Bottled Water Awards 2015, Grand Winner at the Developmental Social Enterprise Awards 2017, NGO Leadership Award at the Philippines NGO’s Leadership Awards 2019, and Best CSR Initiative at the Global Bottled Water Awards 2020.

By taking part in society-wide changes, such as investing in renewable energy and reducing your carbon footprint, businesses are directly impacting climate change mitigation efforts and making it more likely for the planet to act within its carrying capacity. 

The importance of brands taking part cannot be understated: By engaging in sustainable practices, the society can meet its present needs without having to compromise the future. (the future is already looking brighter for all involved.)