The article was published on LA.LV
The European Union is not lacking in ambition — by 2050 it aims to become climate‑neutral. Cleaner air and water, better health for everyone, and preserved biodiversity — achieving these goals will require far more than merely reducing harmful emissions and switching to renewable energy sources.
Very soon, almost every business and consumer in Europe will have to become significantly “greener.”
And this means that entrepreneurs, when planning their operations, will have to fundamentally rethink their approach. In other words, they will need to look for suppliers who are not only cost‑effective but can also demonstrate that they operate in a sufficiently “green” manner.
When setting up a new office, the building manager will need to insist on proof that the property is fully energy‑efficient. With transport providers, it will be necessary to discuss the latest models of electric vehicles or cars powered by other alternative fuels. Yes — all of this will generate additional costs, and it is worth beginning to factor them in already today.
Of course, one may be tempted to smirk at the European Union’s ambitious “Green Deal” and place the idea of climate‑neutral business back on the shelf. After all, we’ve lived through plenty of grand visions before. We’ll just stand quietly on the sidelines, and surely no one will notice. But it won’t be that simple.
We are already encountering cases where long‑term investments are available only if the business plan includes a credible section on sustainable development, with measurable and verifiable results.
If, in the coming years, you plan to use any form of European funding, it will be difficult to get by without sustainable‑development plans. And if you are thinking about exporting to the Nordic countries, it is highly likely that you already need to start preparing answers regarding the “green” component of your business.
When modelling the future, it is quite easy to imagine that a maximally climate‑neutral business — from preparing raw materials to delivering products to customers — could become an almost mandatory requirement for any favourable bank loan. If you are not “green” enough, you will pay higher interest rates.
What should be done? The answer is simple. Start reviewing and replanning your business now. Consider what is needed to increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
Many clever and even rather inventive energy‑saving solutions are already available today. Imagine how you could integrate yourself into the circular economy — it is entirely possible that a new business niche could emerge right there, complementing your existing activities.
Think about how to engage your clients in the circular economy. Talk to your partners about how “green” they are and what they plan to do in the future.
In other words, now is the right moment to critically “shake out” your entire business — starting with suppliers, technological processes, and sales. And calculate how to finance becoming “greener” while maintaining competitiveness and even increasing your market share.
The management consulting company Meta Advisory offers consulting services and its expertise in developing sustainable business strategies.
