Introduction

To limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃ we must rapidly reduce emissions and protect and restore nature. This short guide will cover actions you can take to address your impact on nature within your value chain, beyond your value chain, and how to communicate and report on these efforts.

Reduce Your Impact Within in Your Value Chain

Addressing land-based emissions is the most effective way for you as an organisation to reduce your impact on nature. SMEs should focus on emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses within their supply chains.

Invest in Nature-Based Solutions Beyond Your Value Chain

Beyond reducing emissions in your operations and supply chain, SMEs should invest in nature-based solutions (NBS) that contribute to global climate goals. These investments should go beyond traditional offsets and focus on additional contributions to nature and climate.

Purchase carbon credits that support high-quality nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, agroforestry or wetland restoration. Always ensure that carbon is stored in high and complex biodiversity ecosystems, certified by reputable organisations and with a solid track record. While these investments should not replace efforts to reduce your value chain emissions, they are a critical supplement to those efforts as we know value-chain decarbonization alone is insufficient to keep our climate goals in reach. 

In addition to carbon markets, consider direct investments in conservation, ecosystem restoration, or other forms of nature protection that do not necessarily generate carbon credits. Prioritize projects that provide multiple benefits, including biodiversity conservation, improved livelihoods, support for local communities, and climate resilience.

Report and Communicate Transparently

Disclosing investments in carbon credits or other nature-based projects beyond your company’s value chain must be reported separately and independently from your company’s annual greenhouse gas emissions reports. Carbon credit purchases should not be considered traditional ’offsets’ and should only be used in addition to – not as a substitute for – decarbonization of your own operations.

Engage Your Employees

Engaging employees in nature-focused initiatives can foster a strong connection to local environments while generating positive social and environmental impact. Companies can offer pro-bono support to NGOs, and contribute to urban greening efforts by sponsoring parks, green roofs, or urban forest projects. Other ways to do this could be through employee giving programs, volunteering opportunities in local conservation and restoration projects, and in-kind donations of equipment or services. Organizing site visits to regenerative farms or conservation projects enhances understanding of sustainability, benefiting both nature and employee engagement as they actively participate in efforts to improve their local surroundings.