Making plans can be difficult especially in this current climate. We are seeing the effects of bad planning especially in how the bushfires and current pandemic were handled and in the reactions of leaders to play the blame game and in people panic buying. On Mars if things run out, it could be a year before a shipment arrives from Earth and there are no guarantees it will arrive. So how do we plan for a rainy day on Mars? Creating sustainability in your business will be the key to thrive and not just survive the storms you will experience in the business.

The definition of “sustainability” is the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. If we look at our business as an ecology, we should really ask ourselves, how much do we rely on other services and products to keep our business going? Are we protecting and investing in the communities, environment and employees both present and future by creating sustainable company practices? There are countless examples in history where civilisations have damaged their environment and seriously affected their chances of survival. This is true in business as well. An extreme increase in growth can cause businesses to oversaturate the market and become unsustainable in the process. Here we are looking at a balance and a growth that is sustainable and profitable for all involved.

Good examples of companies that have put sustainability for the environment, employees and community growth as their top priority include Biogen, BMW and Kesko and have been doing this for a long time. Planning for a rainy day on Mars starts here on Earth.

Biogen an American company based in Cambridge is the leading developer of therapies for people suffering from neurological, autoimmune, and hematologic diseases. The company is carbon-neutral meaning that it has effectively neutralized carbon-emitting activities with reduction and offset projects. In the community, the company sends thousands of employees to promote and support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs in schools and provides two Community Labs where middle and high school students can study in real-life settings.

Based in Germany and with operations around the globe, BMW strives to build social engagement into the entire corporation including products and processes. Its sustainability efforts start in the manufacturing line as BMW continually strives to reduce the emissions of the vehicles it produces and offer electric and hybrid choices for its customers. Within the organization, BMW has been working to minimize its impact on the environment since 1973 when it appointed one of the first Environmental Officers in the world. For employees, BMW is committed to equal opportunities and is working to refine its strategies to include an aging workforce rather than alienate it.

Based in Finland, the grocery retailer Kesko operates across eight countries. The objectives of its responsibility program include working conditions, social accountability, product safety, and mitigating climate change. Kesko provides employees with health coverage, parental leave, and retirement benefits. Group leisure activities are encouraged through a dedicated program. It continues to decrease overall energy consumption, reduce emissions, and manage waste throughout the entire organisation.

Their sustainable business practices are creating a better tomorrow for here on Earth and are something we can hope to emulate on Mars. It’s not just about saving for a rainy day for Mars but planning to thrive in a storm and finding sustainable solutions that suit your business is the beginning of a sunnier future.

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