since 1976
since 1976
Earth Day should be an important reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment and adopt more responsible practices in our daily lives to make this happen. A crucial step here is actually acknowledging the fact that there is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) impact we are creating in our daily lives and that we are able to lower this impact through better practices and choices.
As we grapple with the urgent need to address social challenges such as climate change, individuals and corporations alike must actively contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. Drawing inspiration from innovative initiatives and practices, here are four actionable steps you can take to drive towards doing so:
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources, while initially requiring significant investments with installation costs, can provide a reliable and evergreen alternative for powering residential homes as well as corporate facilities. Gentari Sdn Bhd sets an inspiring example with their mission of delivering sustainably generated and responsibly sourced energy. Gentari realises this mission with their initiatives that provides “green energy solutions” through partnerships, offering green and blue hydrogen solutions, green mobility solutions, and renewable energy solutions including solar.
The shift to solar power is a simple and worthwhile way to benefit both you and the Earth due to its overall cost-effectiveness and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Further, both individuals and corporations alike can engage in personal investment programmes that support renewable energy industries. Often offered by banks and financial institutions, these programmes allow you to invest in mutual funds that only supports sustainable initiatives. Thus, individuals and businesses can actively participate in the transition towards cleaner energy, and promoting a more sustainable future for our planet.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Implementing the three R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle into our daily lives is fundamental in efficiently minimising the ecological impacts of human activities. We can look to BMW Group Malaysia to exemplify corporate responsibility in their utilisation of circularity concepts in the end use of the materials that are by-products from their business processes through initiatives such as RE:GENERATE. Working with partners such as Pentas Flora, EV Connection and Precious Plastic Malaysia. RE:GENERATE aims to develop impactful sustainable solutions on an organisational level to address pollution and climate change. With Pentas Flora, RE:GENERATE reduces irresponsible dumping by converting vehicle maintenance waste (oils, solvents and used drum IBC tanks) into reusable energy sources, while EV Connection’s collaboration introduces an EV battery second-life programme, in the form of portable vehicle chargers, and through Precious Plastic Malaysia, RE:GENERATE focuses on converting and upcycling plastic waste, providing a second, more meaningful life to office, household and daily waste materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation.
Corporations taking initiatives and ensuring accountability in the entire value chain of their business practises not only serve as examples for individuals but also emphasise the shared responsibility in minimising the impact of human activities on the environment. The three R’s is a simple effort that has been shown to have major impact, so by adopting these practices, we can collectively reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills, mitigate pollution and foster a circular economy.
Conscious consumerism involves prioritising sustainable products in every aspect of our lives. From toothpaste to the clothes we wear, the choices of food we consume, every choice we make contributes to our overall carbon footprint; hence, it is important for us to understand the environmental impact of our everyday purchases.
This philosophy can be put into practice by equipping yourselves with knowledge about the life cycles and environmental impacts of products in order to empower you to make informed decisions. Over time, conscious consumerism would become second nature as you find yourself gravitating toward eco-conscious purchases which would eventually lead to a significant reduction in your ecological footprint. By supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability, we actively contribute to the demand for environmentally friendly products and practices as well.
These decisions can also be made when it comes to the food we choose to consume. Locally sourced, sustainable, and organic food items supports a more environmentally friendly agriculture industry; in addition to supporting local economies and small businesses by making conscious choices in our diets, we contribute to healthier lifestyles for ourselves and a more sustainable future for our planet.
Drive with Innovation
The transportation sector plays a substantial role in carbon emissions, making it a critical area for improvement. Embracing electric vehicles (EVs) is a transformative step in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. BMW Group Malaysia plays a pivotal role in their contribution to transforming the transportation field as the Number One Provider of Premium Electric Vehicles in Malaysia. We witness BMW Group Malaysia’s efforts in the evolution of their vehicles, for example when comparing the CO2 emissions of an internal combustion engine BMW X7 and an electric BMW iX, the fuel-powered BMW X7 produces 5120 kg of CO2 for every 20,000 kilometres driven, whereas with the electrified BMW iX, that number is almost halved, with only an approximate 2840 kg of CO2 emitted for the same mileage.
This comparison between the CO2 emissions of an internal combustion engine BMW X7 and an electric BMW iX illustrates the substantial environmental benefits of EV ownership. Further, owning an EV not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes to advancements in automotive technology. As the infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to expand, transitioning to EVs becomes a more viable and impactful choice for individuals and corporations alike.
In conclusion, driving towards sustainability involves a collective effort from individuals and corporations. By investing in renewable energy, practising the three R's, making conscious consumer choices, and revamping our daily drives, we can make a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint. BMW Group Malaysia serves as an inspiring example, showcasing that sustainability can be integrated into corporate practices, setting the stage for a more environmentally conscious future. This Earth Day, let's commit to these actionable steps and drive positive change for the well-being of our planet.
