Responsible Business

By Arnfinn Oines
Responsible Conscience
Six Senses Resorts & Spas
www.sixsenses.com
Green and eco has over the last few years become buzzwords, both in the resort industry and in general. Google “green resorts” or “eco resorts” and you will find millions of hits. The same is the case for “green tips” or “eco tips”. But what does it actually mean and is it relevant to everyone?
Without going into a “scientific” definition it can be simply put as operating or living responsibly. Being responsible means operating your business and living with a conscience both for people you work with and the business environment you operate in. It does not only apply to “tree-hugger”, environmentalists or sworn eco-warriors, but to everyone. And the key is to understand that it makes business sense and not just that it is good for the environment and planet.
Furthermore, it is not complicated and can be done simply by changing your mind set. Some may think that it is not interesting because it cost a lot or that huge investments are required. Most of the time no. Most of the time it is about changing people's habits and getting out of the usual comfort zone of doing “business as usual”.
As mentioned it does apply to everyone. You may question if global warming really does affect my daily life or business? As a matter of fact it does. Global warming is part of the bigger picture – climate change. Climate change is felt as we speak. Yes, it is normal with rain this time of year in Phuket, however, the last few weeks heavy rain we have experienced is a result of more and more tropical storms developing, currently plaguing Taiwan. Heavy rain hurts business and risks of strong winds are imminent. These are issues we have to take into consideration and encourage us to take responsible actions.
But maybe more encouraging than climate change issues, is to see that responsible actions actually make a positive impact on your bottom line. If you can improve your energy consumption, water consumption or the way you use products you will see an improvement in cost, which again improves bottom line. It is just as important for the financial controller and purchasing manager to get involved in responsible action plans than it is for any environmentalist.
In this section we will look at tips that both companies and individuals can undertake to ensure responsible business practices or a responsible lifestyle becomes a norm. The key is to make it practical and to understand that it makes financial and business sense.