We work with various NGOs, including The Climate Group, a non-profit organization that works with business and government leaders to tackle climate change. This partner of the UN helps to organize Climate Week New York City and works with organizations to turn commitments into action. We joined its RE100 corporate leadership initiative committing to 100% renewable electricity and its EV100 program aimed at making electric vehicles the new normal by 2030.
Working with such a group introduces us to other organizations taking the same journey. It allows us to transfer inspiration into collaboration and action, and do it at speed.
Other worthy initiatives, like the World Green Building Council’s (WGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings initiative, further underscore the need to learn from each other, make a commitment and most important of all, act.
In 2018, we became a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Buildings initiative, pledging to make all the buildings in our control carbon neutral by 2030 and to advocate the goal for all buildings to be net zero by 2050. We also collaborate with the WGBC on initiatives to make buildings healthier through “human centric lighting” that can improve people’s wellbeing and performance, and UV-C lighting which can inactivate viruses.
Working with respected bodies creates a virtuous circle and amplifies our voice in the corridors of power. This is necessary as if we are to tackle the crisis head-on, governments must be onboard. Through advocacy, accountability, and collaboration we learn from each other and move faster. The race to the future need not be an uphill battle.