Data is the lifeblood of research and innovation. No matter your industry, data helps drive nearly every decision you and your business make. Those decisions include choices on sustainability practices within your home or business. But how can companies use data analytics to help the environment? You might be surprised at how much you can do.
ESG
ESG programs analyze how companies maintain standards for sustainability in business, specifically in the realms of environmental, social, and governance. ESG investors always want to make data-driven decisions when it comes to investments. Fortunately, data collected by an ESG data platform can help investors make informed decisions about sustainability in their investments and business practices.
Sustainability
Sustainability in business is a crucial factor in helping the environment. Analyzing your existing data is the best way to increase your company’s sustainability practices. For example, you can use data to identify your carbon footprint, how much physical waste your business emits, and where you can implement changes to minimize your environmental impact.
Smart homes and buildings
Many homes and businesses use smart devices to control things like climate and lighting. For example, HVAC and lighting systems use environmental data within the building to determine when to activate and how often. This allows lights to become brighter as natural light dims and heating or cooling to adjust according to different temperatures.
Waste management
You might think waste management is a cut-and-dried practice. However, big data informs many steps in the waste disposal process. For example, waste disposal companies use data to determine routes, which helps limit emissions and increase efficiency. Data can also help improve efficiency at waste disposal plants, too.
Supply chain changes
As businesses aim to have a positive impact on the environment, their supply chains will come into play. A product will go through a long supply line from the moment of manufacture until it’s delivered to your doorstep. If you use big data to choose your vendors, you’ll be able to cut down on your supply chain’s impact on the environment.
Water conservation
Larger businesses will benefit from tools that automatically analyze water use and consumption. Real-time monitoring will allow companies to pinpoint malfunctioning equipment in a timely fashion. Data also allows customers to see how much water they’re using and where they might be able to make improvements.
Going paperless
Another way to use data to help the environment is by studying your company’s paper usage. You can eliminate paper use in many instances, such as interoffice communication. In other areas, such as payroll and HR, you can begin to phase paper out over time. Eventually, you’ll be an entirely paperless business.
Wrap up
Data analytics is an essential tool for every aspect of running a home or business. One of the best ways to use data is to increase your contributions to sustaining the environment. By studying your output, you can make informed decisions on how to invest your time and money. In doing that, you’ll be able to make strides in helping to protect the environment.
