Combating climate change can be the key to future competitive advantage

While some countries still debate whether climate change is real, most Australians now accept it as a settled fact, especially after the devastating bush fires at the end of 2019. Even newspapers that have previously resisted the theory, have publicly stated they recognise the problem. So now that we acknowledge the problem, how do we go about solving it? With political and scientific arguments still raging over questions such as whether renewable energy sources can be enough on their own, a solution is in the making. . Recently making the news was that retail giant ALDI has committed to powering its Australian operations with 100% renewable electricity by 2021 even more striking, a laying down of the gauntlet.

Even if, as the small print reveals, ALDI’s delivery vehicles aren’t included in this commitment, it’s still a huge undertaking. ALDI is the 64th biggest user of electricity in Australia, with its 555 stores and eight distribution centres. It has already managed to reduce its emissions by 40% since 2012, but this new pledge – to be delivered through a combination of solar and wind power – will send it straight to the top of the league when it comes to environmentally friendly retailing. Which is, of course, a large part of the point. While ALDI is doubtless truly committed to the fight against climate change, it also knows that proving its eco-credentials to customers will deliver a competitive advantage in the years ahead.

Consumers are increasingly motivated by environmental concerns

Consumers are increasingly motivated by environmental concerns backed up by a plethora of research conducted, so much that you could stack it one metre high, though – given the topic – we don’t recommend you print it to find out. According to Ipsos, by January of this year concern for the environment had risen from a fringe concern to the number one worry of Australians, cited by 41% of the population overall. What’s more, Millennials – key tastemakers, and the demographic who will be the largest consumer group in the future– are even more environmentally conscious, with 48% calling it their top priority.

Whilst COVID-19 has overtaken climate change in media coverage this year, there is an abundance of evidence that the pandemic is actually deepening many young people’s commitment to “build back better” and ensure that the world’s recovery from COVID-19 sets the planet on a better and more sustainable path. These consumers are likely to increasingly embrace brands which can demonstrate they are trying to combat climate change, and reject those that do not.

This has huge implications for all retailers and producers, not just giants like ALDI. If you run a smaller business and still think of environmental awareness as a luxury or passing trend, wake up now or risk being left behind. You should be looking at every aspect of your business, from the vehicles you use to deliver your product to the packaging that ends up in consumer’s hands, and working out how you can make changes towards sustainability.

What this means for you as a business.

If you aren’t a retailer or producer yourself but part of the supply or service chain that supports them, then you need to honestly assess whether you are likely to be seen as part of the problem. Many retailers will come under increasing pressure to cut ties to partners which are seen as environmentally harmful, such as delivery chains which use inefficient vehicles. Last year, there was controversy over climate activists engaging in “secondary boycotting”, and this is likely to intensify as concerns over ecological damage grow. Wise businesses will anticipate and adapt now.

If, on the other hand, you are a business who can be seen as part of the solution, then the coming years will be full of opportunity. If you are a small food or drink producer, for example, who can solve a packaging problem like New Zealand-founded coffee brand Allpress Espresso did with their compostable coffee bags, doors will open much more quickly for big new partnerships. If you are a supplier who can help a large retailer or producer meet their climate change targets through an innovative business model or new technology, you may be able to elbow your way past much larger rivals for new contracts.

The coming months and years are likely to be turbulent all over the world, and you need to be ready to seize opportunities while dodging disasters. As always, that’s going to mean assembling a first-class team to have on your side. In the past, that has usually meant appointing first class financial advisers, legal experts and marketers, but in the future, it will also mean environmental consultants able to keep you informed on the latest climate change developments and guide you towards solutions. Just as in the dot com boom, late adopters will probably never be able to catch up. 

Picture of Mark Lazarus

Mark Lazarus

Mark Lazarus, the visionary behind the business and the fresh blood of the Lazarus Legal team, Mark (or Laz as he is often known) owes much of his success to his past experiences. And he’s made it his personal goal to bring that wisdom and formula to the firm.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

barry_lazarus

Barry Lazarus

CEO & Notary Public

barry@lazaruslegal.com.au 

We’d be lying if we told you that this bloke isn’t the big honcho of our team, but his name is a dead give-away. The founder of Lazarus Legal, Barry is an old school, tough as nails lawyer. They don’t forge litigators like this anymore.

With decades of experience in both Australia and South Africa, his wisdom is as renowned as his name. Back in the days when Schwarzenegger and Van Damme were kicking ass on VHS, Barry was kicking ass in the courtroom. And after all these years, he still has a reputation for refusing to back down.Barry is definitely the badass you’d want in a fight – in court or otherwise. But really, he’s a big softie. Just don’t let him know you know that (although he probably won’t read this anyway – navigating the Internet is not his strong point).

Aside from putting other lawyers in their place, taking long walks on the beach and spending time with his family, Barry enjoys seeing others succeed. Not only is Barry a staunch and unmoving litigator, he has sharp business and commercial acumen having started up ventures from scratch and growing them into full-blown franchises – from real estate to creating ice cream, to making pasta. With his experience on both sides of the commercial and legal equation, you want this guy to be on your side, whether you’re the next Zuckerberg realising your genius, or the next Zuckerberg taking on your opponents in court.

When Barry is not busy lawyering about, he is a part-time lawn bowler and a wannabe comedian, but never took both as a day job, because let’s face it, he’s a lot better at his day job.

If someone ever threatens you to lawyer up…relax, call Barry and he’ll handle the rest. 

Rise above...

Lazarus Legal Logo
Mark Lazarus Director

Mark Lazarus

Director

mark@lazaruslegal.com.au 

The visionary behind the business and the fresh blood of the Lazarus Legal team, Mark (or Laz as he is often known) owes much of his success to his past stories and experiences. And he’s made it his personal goal to bring that wisdom and formula to the firm.

He’s a bit of jet setter, splitting his time between Australia and the UK, maximising every hour of his professional life. He thrives on this adrenalin. It allowed him to work in private practice in Sydney, act for a host of famous celebrities in London, do a two year stint as a NSW barrister (and not the pretentious coffee type in the Melbourne laneways) and more recently did a gig as the Legal Director covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa for one of the world’s coolest fast-moving consumer good brands!  

As an Aussie and UK lawyer and former barrister, Mark not only has the gift of the gab but he’ll walk the walk to prove it too. He likes to think he’s a bit like Harvey Specter or Michael Corleone, the main difference is you can actually retain him as your lawyer and consigliere. He’ll tell you how it really is and will take on any challenge head on. Although litigation and court advocacy comes naturally to him, commercial and IP is what gets his blood pumping! 

When Mark is not out there doing his thing, you will probably catch him chilling at home with his family, on the sidelines of the soccer (football) pitch cheering on his two boys, crawling through mud obstacles, or training hard at the gym. Passion and commitment is what drives Mark to succeed, along with his burning desire to disrupt the legal profession by finding new ways to change the game.

He has sights on the future. So if you’re breaking new ground, ahead of the times, and on the verge of something big, but you need someone who’s got your back and who can give you straight up advice, this is the guy you will want on speed dial.

Rise above...

Lazarus Legal Logo