The 'Sustainability' Thinking
Going green is not a feel-good option for the world anymore. By now, the world has a fair idea of the need for sustainable businesses, which incorporate advanced features that are environmentally friendly and highly resource-efficient throughout their operations. For populous countries, it’s a matter of today and not tomorrow. For populous countries like India, China, and the Philippines it’s quite inevitable to focus on green buildings and comprehensive, sustainable business operations going forward. It’s a great omen that the largest business houses, especially retail businesses in the country, are leading by example.
In a recent interview with CEO Insights magazine, Rajib Dey, Head—Visual Merchandising, Reliance Trends at Reliance Retail, says, “People are increasingly interested in sustainability, but affordability remains a major concern. If your product is economically priced, it can be accessible to everyone. However, if it's not, only specific segments of the population will be able to purchase it. Therefore, your brand positioning should consider these differences.”
On the other hand, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has a significant impact on businesses importing goods into the EU. The new rules affect goods imported from carbon-intensive countries. The specified products include goods within the cement, electricity, fertilizers, aluminum, iron, steel and hydrogen sectors, as well as some upstream and downstream products (mainly iron, steel and aluminum). CBAM is expected to have a significant impact on Asia's exports going forward, particularly for iron and steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. It substantiates the saying, "Go Green or Go Down the Hill." In this special issue of CEO Insights Asia, we feature some of the great leaders furthering this cause.
Do let us know your thoughts.