Megatrend: Climate change
What are the solutions to tackle the ongoing effects of climate change?
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Our planet is at a turning point: given the impact human activities have on the climate, we must develop and implement effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Measures for climate action, climate strategies and raising awareness are at the forefront of this. What exactly do they involve?
Finding solutions to tackle the ongoing effects of climate change
First, we should all be aware that global warming has already caused changes to the climate and that we need to take action to address this today. Second, we must prepare for the changes we can expect in the future in such a way that we limit the risks and impacts and make use of on new opportunities – the key term here is climate adaptation.
How can we raise awareness of climate change?
Educational programmes, the inclusion of this topic in school curricula and media debate can strengthen climate awareness and motivate people to take action, both individually and collectively. Around the world, various governmental and non-governmental organisations have launched initiatives to raise awareness of climate change and promote concrete measures.
The United Nations SDG Action Days are one example. Through a range of initiatives worldwide, they aim to make the sustainable development goals tangible, raise awareness and motivate people to take action. The SDG Action Days place particular focus on education and the importance of partnerships in finding solutions that promote sustainability for global challenges. They also emphasise the role of communities and local stakeholders in implementing the SDGs.
Through a range of events, workshops and interactive sessions, participants can share best practices, build networks and develop joint solutions. They also provide a platform for governments, NGOs, businesses and citizens. This international commitment is a prime example of collective responsibility. Global partnerships of this nature aimed at achieving these SDGs have great potential for developing solutions that can be implemented worldwide.
Climate action in businesses
Businesses worldwide are increasingly recognising their social responsibility in the fight against climate change. From overhauling their supply chains to introducing environmentally friendly production methods, depending on the company, there may be specific legal obligations relating to aspects such as reporting, due diligence or emissions regulation. However, companies that recognise the opportunities for innovative solutions within these obligations may, depending on market conditions, benefit from competitive advantages.
Case studies
Wilopark in Dortmund, Germany
The Wilopark in Dortmund brings production and administration together at a single location. Spanning around 200,000 square metres, it combines a collaborative and people-oriented working atmosphere with a modern workplaces for around 2,000 employees. The innovative design, with a high proportion of glass, promotes transparency and natural light, enhanced by an open energy concept. The layout is designed to accommodate open, shared workspaces.
The Wilo Group received the EcoVadis Platinum rating for the period from 2022 to 2026. According to EcoVadis, this places Wilo among the top 1% of companies assessed worldwide. The Wilopark brings together production, innovation and administration in a diverse and welcoming environment that puts people at the heart of everything it does, by designing and planning workspaces and the site in consultation with staff.
The Central Bank in Dublin, Ireland
At the Central Bank’s headquarters, Wilo solutions contribute to the building’s heating, cooling, cold water supply and rainwater utilisation. The Bank had set itself a series of targets concerning the building’s sustainability. One of the key requirements was to supply only solutions featuring efficiency class IE4-rated motors in order to meet the relevant BREEAM criteria. The Central Bank had also defined a range of objectives for the building design, such as specific environmental requirements under the BREEAM assessment.
