sky high
At the 7th qualityaustria sustainability forum in cooperation with the BMK and the Senate of Economy, the effects of climate change on the supply chain, the relevance of sustainability in the aviation industry and the feasibility of implementing science-based targets - such as the 2- Degree target - discussed.
The 7th qualityaustria sustainability forum took place on November 25th as an online conference under the motto “Business as usual, adaptation or game changer?”. The experts and speakers agreed: circular economy is considered the most important game changer in terms of climate protection and determines society and the economy like hardly any other socio-economic topic. All the more drastic that, according to the latest Boston Consulting Group study *, only every second Austrian company has defined comprehensive climate protection goals. "Just becoming a little better and more efficient will no longer be enough - we need concepts for game changers and for adapting company-related climate protection and sustainability strategies," emphasized Axel Dick, Business Development Environment and Energy, CSR, Quality Austria at the opening of the forum. Successful company and industry examples presented during the event included BKS Bank, VUM Dienstleistungs GmbH, UBM and FACC. Andreas Tschulik, Head of Department V / 7 - Integrated Product Policy, Corporate Environmental Protection and Environmental Technology in the BMK (Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology), initially discussed the Green Finance Alliance - as a common path towards climate neutrality , with the help of which the financing of green projects through private capital is promoted. Financial companies can submit documents until January 31, 2022.
The pandemic as an eye opener
“Due to initiatives such as the European Green Deal or the 2030 Action Plan, topics such as the circular economy, climate protection and greenhouse gas reduction have long since established themselves in the Austrian economy as competitive factors that can no longer be avoided. At the same time, there is still a discrepancy between knowledge and actions, ”says Axel Dick. Initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the 2030 climate goals support these projects, but are still insufficiently implemented by companies in specific strategies. Quality seals, certifications and management systems could contribute step by step to the continuous improvement of environmental performance.
“The pandemic has shown us all that we can deal with extreme challenges constructively - for example in the area of digitization. Nevertheless, this optimism of purpose must now also be put into sustainability efforts so that one can move from the current linear economy according to the take-make-use-waste philosophy to the circular economy, ”continues the expert Dick. In order to embark on the course towards climate neutrality, companies primarily need long-term planning in the form of concrete roadmaps and key figures on the one hand, and the commitment of top management and corresponding, relevant skills of the organization on the other.
Climate change has a significant impact on supply chains
Alexander Eidelpes, Head of Purchasing at Kotányi GmbH, discussed the influence of various events such as natural disasters, forest fires or insect plagues on global and local value chains, which can result in lower raw material availability, increased use of chemicals, price increases or food fraud. "We are currently seeing that the challenges in purchasing are no longer just political, legal or economic, but that environmental risks are playing an increasingly important role," confirms the expert. Imports in particular come into focus, as these are extremely affected by the effects of climate change. Clear measures should be the creation of sufficient information networks as well as the selection of suppliers based on risk classifications, standards and certifications.
How front runners are changing the future
The mobility sectors, and especially air travel, are quickly becoming a critical focus in the climate debate. It is often overlooked that air traffic currently accounts for 2,7% of global CO2 emissions. “Air transport, regardless of whether it is people or freight, has become an indispensable part of our globalized and networked world. It is all the more important to make flying sustainable. The entire aviation sector is pursuing the goal of achieving CO2050-neutral flying by 2. With our lightweight construction technology, which reduces weight and saves fuel, we support climate-friendly mobility - and that worldwide, ”is true Patrick Doppler, CSR manager from FACC AG, sure.
* Study by the Boston Consulting Group: https://www.bcg.com/de-at/press/11november2021-austrian-company-comprehensive-climate-protection-goals
Photos: Axel Dick, Industry Manager Environment and Energy, CSR, Quality Austria © Quality Austria
QualityAustria
Quality Austria - Trainings, Certification and Assessment GmbH is the leading contact for System and product certifications, Assessments and validations, Assessments, Training and personal certification As well as the Austria quality mark. The basis is globally valid accreditations from the Federal Ministry for Digitization and Business Location and international approvals. In addition, the company has been awarding the BMDW together with the BMDW since 1996 State award for company quality. The core performance of Quality Austria lies in its competence as the national market leader for the Integrated management system to secure and increase company quality. Quality Austria is thus an essential source of inspiration for Austria as a business location and for "success with quality". It cooperates with around 50 partner and member organizations and is national representative of IQNet (The International Certification Network), EOQ (European Organization for Quality) and EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management). Above 10.000 customers in almost 30 countries and more than 6.000 training participants per year benefit from the many years of expertise of the international company. www.qualityaustria.com
Information
Quality Austria - Trainings, Certification and Assessment GmbH
Melanie Scheiber, Head of Marketing, Public Relations
Tel .: 01-274 87 47-127, [email protected], www.qualityaustria.com
This post was created by the Option Community. Join in and post your message!
ON THE CONTRIBUTION TO OPTION AUSTRIA