Balancing Act: The Tug-of-War Between Business Economy and Environmental Sustainability
This week I had the pleasure to attend a Devoteam internal session about sustainability. We discussed the intersection of technology and sustainability. That in its turn sparked a couple of questions. When we see technology and sustainability. I can only agree that by the rise of technology the Green house emission has been rising quiet a bit. So if we would work on using a rightsized technology stack it would be better for the environment and in turn also for the money on the bank for many organisations. That’s when it struck me
“How are organisations going to balance shareholder value while doing good for the planet”?
We had a couple of economically challenging years with COVID. At this moment you can feel/see everyone is pushing the system to its limits because of shareholder values were well not that high in recent years. However we all feel something is off… In France the water reserves are nearly empty. In Belgium (where I live) we had “great news” this week as our water reserves are at 90% capacity. There is only 1000 km difference, the reality is also completely different. So how are we going to balance our business between trying to get the best and most out of every penny coming into the company and thus creating shareholder value. How is that same company going to make sure the operating chain is as green as possible from supply - to production - to transport - to consumption?
That’s the subject of today. I don’t have the answers just yet. However, I wanted to share this here so everyone can share their thoughts about it…
The Business of Profit: An Unavoidable Truth
In any society, businesses function with a clear objective: making profits. Economic value is the driving force, as undeniable as gravity. As we wrestle with this truth, we're confronted by an equally undeniable reality: our planet's health is deteriorating, and our business activities are implicated.
Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Necessity
Sustainability, in this context, isn't just a buzzword. It's a call to action—a demand that we think about the long-term impact of our actions. It's an appeal to consider whether the businesses of today are leaving a world worth living in for the generations of tomorrow.
Striking a Balance: The Tightrope Walk
Navigating the space between economic value and sustainability is like walking a tightrope. On one side, we have the compelling need for profitability. On the other, the urgent need to maintain the health of our planet. It's a precarious balancing act, one that has us teetering on the edge of a very steep cliff.
The Case for Sustainable Business Practices
Despite the challenges, sustainable business practices offer a glimmer of hope. They represent a potential path forward, a way to reconcile our need for economic value with the imperatives of environmental preservation.
The Vanguard: Businesses Leading the Change
There are businesses that have managed to merge sustainable practices with profitability, setting a new standard for others to follow. They're harnessing renewable energy, reducing waste, and proving that profitability doesn't have to come at the expense of the planet.
Conclusion: Rising to the Challenge
As we stand at the intersection of economic necessity and environmental responsibility, we must ask ourselves: Can businesses create economic value while being environmentally sustainable? The task is formidable, but the stakes are too high to ignore.
Businesses, now more than ever, must rise to the challenge. We must strive for a world where profitability and sustainability are not contradictory, but complementary. It's not just about good business; it's about good stewardship of our planet. Like Barney Stinson said… “challenge accepted”
As we grapple with these questions and seek to forge a path forward, I invite you to join the conversation. Together, we can explore solutions and work towards a future where businesses thrive, and our planet breathes easily. After all, what is prosperity if not shared by a healthy, flourishing planet?