In any decision that we make - as people or as businesses - there is a balance to be seen between “push” factors and “pull” factors. We could go into depth about what constitutes a push and a pull, but for the sake of brevity, “push” factors are those factors that make you do something because you should, “pull” factors make you do it because you want to.

This is a particularly important distinction when it comes to the question of sustainability in business. More and more, businesses are adopting greener policies and moving towards Net Zero, and these moves can be attributed to both the types of factor named above. Many people will argue that a move is going to be more successful if you are serious about wanting to make it, and therefore the important question about any sustainability policy is: are you doing this because you want to, or because you feel you have to? Below, we’ll set out why this matters.

Sustainability is non-negotiable

There are more than a few government regulations, in any country, that are pushing businesses to become more sustainable. One way or the other, non-renewable energy sources are going to become unusable in the long term. If your business is going Net Zero because it is mandated, then it will do so only when it has to. Given that targets need to be reached by a certain time, a business that embraces sustainability on the basis of push factors will get there eventually - but it will do the bare minimum and take its time about it.

How you look at something will drive how well you do it

If the above applies to your business, here are a few facts: people in general are in agreement that action needs to be taken to protect the planet. This is not a 50/50 issue - people who are skeptical about the need for action are outliers. And that may not matter to you personally, but it does drive consumer decisions. If people want to do business only with “green” companies - and a growing number do - then it is simply economic good sense to enthusiastically get on board. Net Zero experts like consultus.com can show you how this will work for you. And when you look at the data seriously, it’s hard not to be a believer.

You don’t need to be evangelical, but the future is clear

In the end, the decisions that keep emissions down are not just about preventing a rise in temperatures and the melting of Arctic ice. They’re about cleaner air and waterways in general, preventing drought and handing over a less polluted planet to future generations. They’re also about being able to access help with bringing your business into the future. Nobody is about to hand out grants for converting your business fleet to diesel 4x4s. From any angle you look at it, sustainability is the future, and how you embrace it will govern how your business fares in that future.