Climate Action for Industry: Language Services and Localization
(Photo by Muhammad Ma'ruf on Unsplash)
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The language services and localization industry plays a key role in global business communications. As the world increasingly focuses on environmental sustainability, companies in this sector can make a significant impact by addressing their own carbon footprint. This article outlines five steps language service providers (LSPs) can take to become climate leaders. From raising employee awareness to reducing emissions and engaging with the community, these actions can help LSPs contribute to a greener future.
1) Implement training opportunities across the business to develop a culture of climate literacy. Choose one of the following:
a. The week, a 3-episode documentary film series (one hour per episode) designed for small group viewings with colleagues, friends, or family and discussed afterward.
b. Climate Solutions 101, a 6-video series (short format) presented by Project Drawdown.
c. Climate Fit, a 7-module online course (self-paced 20-30 min per module) presented by SME Climate Hub.
2) Be a leader in your industry. Learn about reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and committing to strategic sustainability goals right-sized for your organization. When it comes to Corporate Sustainability, It’s all about Net Zero Emissions:
a. Small and Medium Sized Business (SMEs): SME Climate Hub
b. Large Business: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standards (GHG Protocol)
3) Use less energy and move away/divest/transition away from fossil fuels. Renewables are cheaper and better for the planet than building out more coal, oil, and gas.
a. Contact your local utility or visit their website to check the distribution of energy that is powering your electricity.
b. Invest in renewable energy programs/suppliers (solar, wind, and hydro are all examples of zero-emission renewable energy sources).
c. Consider transitioning from gas-powered (combustion engine) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are less expensive over their total lifetime.
d. Expand/optimize a remote and/or hybrid workplace (reduce GHG emissions produced by employee commuting and business travel).
4) Build community. Organize volunteer outings with local nonprofit organizations to support environmental stewardship activities and climate initiatives. Examples of community events might include:
a. Wetland conservation
b. Removal of invasive species
c. Forest conservation
d. Air quality campaigning for local communities
e. Ocean stewardship
f. Disaster recovery preparedness
g. Wildlife conservation
h. Biodiversity protection
5) Make your efforts and your climate initiatives public via your website and social channels.
By using these strategies, language service providers can help the environment, gain a good reputation, and help the planet for future generations.
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Courtenay Hendricks
I'm an English and French-speaking Project Manager, UX Researcher, Content Writer / Strategist and Marketer with consulting experience spanning business strategy, operations, user experience, and digital marketing in the technology, climate, healthcare, language services, and localization industries. As a user experience professional, I love collaborating cross-functionally on content, services, and experiences intended to make things easier, more sustainable, and more usable to positively impact human lives.