Archive for the ‘Corporate Citizens’ Category

Corporate Citizens > Case Studies

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

These three short case studies illustrate our experience in the field of environmental responsibility and climate change. This presents a snapshot of our experience. For more information, please contact us.

High Growth Technology Firm

Project: Full Environmental Strategy

Firetail completed the full environmental strategy for a fast-growing technology company. We measured and evaluated the company’s carbon footprint based on a staff survey, and travel and utility data. We surveyed staff attitudes, set a reduction target and developed initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. We have since worked with the company to help them track progress against their target, establish monitoring processes and select high-impact initiatives.

Financial Services Client

Project: The Business case for carbon offsetting

This project analysed the voluntary carbon offset market for a leading market analysis company for carbon markets. Before the project, very little was known about buyers of carbon offsets and their motivations. The research involved qualitative and quantitative surveys of buyers, as well as a review of related academic literature. It has been cited broadly in mainstream and specialist media.

Green Alliance

Project: Independent Review and Evaluation

We conducted a reputation audit of this leading environmental think tank. This required understanding the political, regulatory and policy context at both national and international levels. We consulted with senior special advisers, members of the Climate Change Select Committee and business leaders. Green Alliance described the review as “very valuable contribution to our strategy” and used it to inform the development of their new 5 year strategy. This project demonstrates our ability to engage with high-level policymakers on environmental issues.

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Corporate Citizens > Our Services

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

We believe that companies need to view a low carbon strategy as a journey rather than a target. We often find that organisations see climate change as a CSR activity or a target for operational efficiency.

We encourage a broader perspective, challenging our clients to think about how a low carbon strategy will affect every part of their organisation, supply chain and customer base.

In order to develop a comprehensive environmental strategy, we offer the following services:

  • Strategy development
  • Carbon footprinting and implementation
  • Policy and regulatory understanding
  • Venture development and Innovation
  • Communicating outcomes
  • Project management

Strategy development

We have experience of developing corporate strategies for organisations from FTSE100 companies to small NGOs. Our skills have proven transferable across organisations thanks to our ability to work closely with our clients, listen carefully and understand their strategic context.

Good strategy is based on strong evidence. This is no less true in the development of responsibility strategy. We have deep expertise in market analysis and customer insight. This ensures that the strategies we develop are pragmatic, grounded in evidence and achievable.

Carbon footprinting and implementation

We use standard tools to measure an organisation’s carbon footprint; with the World Resource Institute’s GHG Protocol providing our overall framework.

The footprint is the start of the process. We ensure the footprint is used to engage staff and generate initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, both through efficiency measures and innovation.

Policy and regulatory understanding

We have a deep understanding of the regulatory regime and how it is developing. In particular, we have an excellent understanding of the UK’s emissions-focused policy, including the EU ETS, the Carbon Reduction Commitment and the Climate Change Agreements.  We also have a good awareness of the UK’s support for low carbon technologies and programmes for working with individuals and communities.

Venture development and innovation

The focus of much environmental responsibility work will be operational improvement. However, it is important not to overlook the growth possibilities and opportunities for innovation presented by the low carbon economy.

We have a track record in helping businesses think about innovative new services and propositions as part of the strategy development process. Often, these initiatives, whilst less substantial in terms of carbon footprint are important for engaging staff and stakeholders in the process.

Communicating outcomes

Too often new strategies are simply announced and the resulting confusion can harm the chances of its success. It is vital that any new strategic initiative is communicated to internal and external audiences. The internal audience needs to understand the context and what it means for them on a day to day basis. The external audiences need to see the strengths of the new approach and how it will benefit them.

Project management

A strong commitment to quality underpins all of our work. Our team have worked on large projects in both the public and private sectors. Our team includes PRINCE2 practitioners and we have a strong record in delivering engagements on time and on budget.

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Corporate Citizens > Overview

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Firetail helps businesses think about their environmental responsibility strategy.

We believe that the low carbon economy is the most pressing issue faced by business, government and civil society. We are committed to working with organisations trying to reduce emissions now and in the future. We believe that our approach delivers great people at great value.

Progressive and well managed businesses recognise that climate change is driving a fundamental shift in the economy. This presents opportunities for those who address the issue early and ambitiously.

In this context, Corporate Social Responsibility can no longer be thought of as a box-ticking exercise or an afterthought.

When firms are judged on their carbon footprint, the sustainability of their supply chain and the treatment of their workforce, firms realise that saying they are a good company is not enough. You have to be a good company, operationally as well as philosophically.

This means going on a journey towards ‘total responsibility’ in your value chain. No-one has all the answers, so it demands a pragmatic approach, a willingness to learn and transparency in communication.

We understand the latest thinking on climate change, whilst our background in strategy consulting means we understand how to make change happen in business.

You can read more about our approach in this area by downloading this short presentation (click here).

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