Scientists predict that global warming will cause potentially catastrophic changes in the world around us over the course of this century, including extreme weather, sea level rise, water shortages, food shortages and extinctions. (DECC, Roadmap to Copenhagen, 2009)

It’s easy to be daunted, turned off or confused by climate change reports. We may think it won’t affect us directly. And anyway, there are higher priorities. But while some businesses need to focus on immediate challenges, many are now thinking longer-term about how they can emerge successfully from the recession.

Companies with a clear corporate social responsibility strategy compete well for new business and to keep their existing customers. It generates a positive reputation if genuinely done well, and can be a real “win-win”: building sales and saving costs. An environmental policy is mandatory in tenders to supply government departments, local authorities and London 2012. These organisations have to demonstrate responsibility throughout their supply chains.

Businesses don’t exist in isolation – they play a valuable role in society. Social values have an increasingly important role in influencing business strategy which, more than ever, needs to reflect changes in culture and opinion. Public outrage for example at MP expenses and bankers’ bonuses had a significant influence this year on public confidence in these institutions.

An effective approach towards risk is also relevant, and known to improve business resilience during a recession. It helps businesses lead the way when the much-anticipated green shoots of recovery begin to appear. These companies tend to have longer-term strategies in place, are better able to anticipate what’s ahead and can put the right plans and solutions in place. These plans now need to address the potential for greater regulation, and for energy to become more scarce, more expensive and less reliable in its supply.

There could be a very positive, new way forward for your business. Climate change has the potential to bring out the best in business – with leadership, technology and innovation coming forward to meet new challenges.

Making a start can be quite straightforward. Here are some things you can do:

• A basic energy survey is free for many companies (www.carbontrust.co.uk).
• Interest-free loans and grants are often available for energy efficiency measures www.greengrantsmachine.co.uk.
• Sign up to the 10:10 campaign (www.1010uk.org) to reduce emissions by 10% for 2010 – there’s plenty of ideas and advice on the website.
• There’s a comprehensive list of information and support on the Brighton and Hove Business Forum’s website www.brightonbusiness.co.uk under “Business and Climate Change”.
• For inspiration, have a look at case studies of businesses who are already doing this well www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Resources/Publications-and-Case-Studies; or – more locally, look at the BETRE website www.betre.org.uk. As well as case studies they have lots of help for businesses to become more efficient, cut costs and work towards a low-carbon economy.

I’d be really interested to hear how you get on - please call me on 07775 671706.

This article appeared in The Argus business section 8th December 2009 (Brighton and Hove).