Environmental Awareness Day: The Importance of Responsible Production
Pablo H. Plá, CEO San Miguel
Published on August 16, 2024, in Infobae
While there are many challenges, it is essential that all companies focus on sustainability to maintain their economic activity.
On the occasion of National Environmental Awareness Day, celebrated every September 27, it is important to reflect on the great responsibility that companies have in protecting both the environment and people.
This commemorative day recalls the tragedy that occurred in Avellaneda in 1993, where seven people died as a result of hydrogen cyanide gas escaping through the family home's drains, due to a company illegally dumping its industrial waste into the household sewer system.
"Environmental awareness" means understanding what the environment is, identifying current environmental problems, and recognizing what we can do in our own spaces to reverse or improve these conditions. It involves being conscious of the importance of acting with respect and commitment in the places where we live, always remembering that the damage we inflict on the environment is damage to ourselves and future generations.
Responsible Companies
For a company to be considered on the path to sustainability today, it must demonstrate that it has management processes in place to ensure product quality, consider the environmental impact of its activities, and address the social impact on its employees and the community. All of this must be framed within good corporate governance practices, making ethics and integrity the way to operate with absolute transparency.
Sustainability, therefore, is not limited solely to environmental issues: a company’s impact on society also extends to the genuine care for the smaller links in the value chain, including employees and various minorities.
It is crucial to drive positive transformation in the company’s area of influence, contributing economic, social, and environmental value to the communities with which it interacts. Some essential principles include: promoting local development with a focus on nutrition, health, and education; prioritizing the well-being of employees; and investing in operational improvements that positively impact local communities.
Certifications and Emission Reductions
The adoption of both national and international certifications in the production process signifies a commitment to improving management systems with sustainability in mind.
Another crucial point is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the commitments made by countries that are part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aiming to either reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation actions) or adapt to the impacts caused by this phenomenon (adaptation actions).
In this regard, companies play a vital role, as a significant portion of the actions included in countries' NDCs are carried out by the businesses operating within them. This makes companies a driving force for change, achieving long-term positive effects in caring for the planet.
While the challenges are numerous, it is essential for all companies to focus on sustainability to sustain their economic activity, considering social and environmental factors and making their management a responsible action with resources.
