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Social innovation as an answer to climate change.

Updated on
July 29, 2024

Companies have a key role to play in generating and scaling change, many are already providing solutions.

Climate change is already exacerbating social problems. Global temperatures are expected to rise 2.7°C by 2100, creating a great need to adapt to social challenges such as migration, food crises, pests, diseases and rising sea levels.

This is why at Dcycle we have created the Social Innovation Guide, to find out how to respond to climate change. Because environmental and social sustainability solutions have to go hand in hand.

What is the Social innovation guide?

In this guide, we review the key definitions of social sustainability and innovation. We exemplify how to approach the different Sustainable Development Goals through social innovation and talk to experts to inspire companies to challenge the current boundaries of sustainability.

Why?

Over the coming years, social innovation will become a tool for tackling the biggest challenge facing humanity: climate change. In this guide, we highlight the need to incorporate the human pillar into sustainable development. We have the opportunity to use the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to provide solutions to real problems. Companies have a key role to play in generating and scaling change, many are already providing solutions.

Discover the guide to social innovation as a response to climate change here.

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Alba Selva Ortiz
Brand Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.