How can a company take action on biodiversity?
At darwin, we're all about turning data into action. By calculating strong baselines and setting clear targets, companies are well-prepared to make impactful changes and develop a comprehensive nature-positive strategy.
Exploring the variety of available actions leveraging the SBTN framework.
Actions taken as part of this nature strategy can be categorized by different “spheres of influence” the company can exert as following the Science-Based Targets Network taxonomy:
Direct operations: actions implemented directly within the operational facilities on which the company has control (on Scope 1).
Value chain: initiatives that involve collaboration with upstream or downstream suppliers to drive changes across the value chain (on Scope 3). It may also include activities related to value chain adjacent areas (e.g. on a watershed close to a supplier site).
Systems-wide: actions taken beyond the company individual scope, focusing on driving systemic & socioeconomic changes collaborations that foster broader environmental impact.
Furthermore, the AR3T action framework (Avoid, Reduce, Restore, Regenerate, Transform) developed by the Science-Based Targets Network provides a useful & structured approach to biodiversity actions, following the widely-used “mitigation” hierarchy. This framework helps companies prioritize and categorize actions effectively across different levels of their operations.
Source: darwin
Case study: a cosmetic manufacturer.
Using the strategies outlined above, a medium-sized cosmetic manufacturer could explore various actionable options as displayed in the table below (illustrative and non-exhaustive overview).
Source: Illustrative example of a Cosmetics manufacturer - Darwin
Examples from real life.
Both large and smaller companies have demonstrated innovative approaches to reducing their environmental impacts. For example:
L’Oréal, a biodiversity pioneer, has set ambitious 2030 targets, including:
Ensuring 100% of its bio-based ingredients for formulas and packaging materials are traceable and from sustainable sources not linked to deforestation (up from 92% in 2022)
Making 95% of its formula ingredients bio-based, derived from abundant minerals, or from circular processes (up from 61% in 2022).
Mustela, under CEO Sophie Robert-Velu, have announced they will discontinue selling baby wipes, a product notably harmful to soil health, by 2027, and introduced washable & compostable wipes. They plan to exit the wipes category despite it accounting for 20% of their revenue in France.
To embark on their nature journey, businesses can begin to address biodiversity step by step and start with simple actions:
As biodiversity is still largely misunderstood, companies should raise employees awareness with training.
The improvement of biodiversity data over time will be key, and the process is typically iterative.
Moreover, biodiversity impacts are more context-specific than in the case of GHG emissions. Engagement at the local level also needs to be encouraged.
What the other frameworks of reporting say on reducing impacts & dependencies.
Main frameworks remain fairly agnostic at this stage when it comes to specifying action plans. They provide general guidelines. In line with SBTN, the CSRD stipulates that the transition plan followed by companies should follow the mitigation strategy and be compatible with the respect of planetary boundaries. The TFND advocates for the use of “scenario analysis” tools to test the resilience of developed strategies and recommend to engage local communities. Building on action plans reported by companies, we can expect those frameworks to become more and more prescriptive about transition plan guidelines.
In the meantime, companies have already everything they need to take action for biodiversity. Now, let's commit to these diverse strategies and drive meaningful environmental change.
The good news is that at darwin we can help you on this, ensuring your clients develop robust nature strategies!
