HR professionals and hiring managers have much to do with setting the ecological standard for current and incoming employees. They should outline expectations that align with the organization’s ecological priorities for becoming an ally for environmental justice, and they can work with management and staff to gather data and desires about eco-conscious aspirations to forge a company truly dedicated to change.

  1. Focus on Intersectional Environmentalism
    Intersectional environmentalism acknowledges that climate change impacts marginalized communities uniquely compared with the ethnic majority and wealthier populations. For example, developing nations wrestle more with electronic waste than urbanized regions because corporations recklessly dump it in these areas for citizens to deal with. It impacts environmental wellness—like agriculture and waterways—and human health.
  2. Look to the Jemez Principles
    Becoming an advocate for the planet involves tangible actions like reducing waste and transitioning to clean energy. Most businesses focus on these moves because they provide real benefits and are quantifiable as metrics. Environmental justice extends into less objective realms when HR departments look at the Jemez Principles, developed by a multiracial environmentalist group in 1996.
  3. Seek Third-Party Certifications
    There’s no more noteworthy evidence that a company is participating in global change than an audit of the company’s processes. This unbiased resource can grade current practices and suggest improvements for greater sustainability commitments. Graders can see how well those corporate social responsibility goals are working out, regardless of whether it’s adjusting supply chains or philanthropy.
  4. Invest in Green Tech and Research
    The Jemez Principles encourage participating in environmental efforts and working with sector experts, not just providing financial support. Not every company has access to similar resources, whether it be financial or staffing barriers.
  5. Gather Data and Make It Known
    Numerous companies collect data using Internet of Things (IoT) technology and sensors to understand their carbon footprint and other eco-related metrics. These numbers help businesses in isolation, but they’re more meaningful if the information is transparent and accessible to the rest of the sector and the world.

Read the full article about environmental justice ally by Jane Marsh at HR Daily Advisor.