5 Trends to Make Your Business Sustainability-Ready
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5 Trends to Make Your Business Sustainability-Ready

20 Dec 2024 12:01 am | 2 minutes read

Did you know that starting in 2027, publicly listed Malaysian businesses must provide credible proof of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the new National Sustainability Reporting Framework? This framework ensures consistent and reliable sustainability information across all listed companies including:

  • Scope 1 emissions (what your operations produce directly)
  • Scope 2 emissions (the energy you use)
  • Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from their value chain, including suppliers, transportation, and product lifecycle)

With stricter compliance under the new framework, sustainability is not just a buzzword anymore. It’s a must-have to stay compliant and get ahead in the industry.


Let's break it down and see how you can stay competitive without pulling your hair out.

Decarbonisation Efforts

A group of professionals discussing sustainable solutions, with one presenting a solar panel and others reviewing notes and models of wind turbines and buildings.Going net-zero carbon isn’t just good for the planet — it’s great for your bottom line in many measurable and tangible ways.

Reducing carbon emissions isn’t just about setting net-zero targets or investing in renewable energy like solar or wind — it’s about future-proofing your business. Companies that don’t prioritise decarbonisation now risk stricter regulations, losing discerning customers, and missing out on investment opportunities from sustainability-focused investors.

But here’s the good news: cutting emissions can also help you cut costs! Energy-efficient systems and renewable energy can lower your bills in the long run, making it a smart financial move too. So what can you do? You can start by auditing your outputs to minimise Scope 1 emissions or start transitioning to solar or wind energy to reduce Scope 2 emissions. Alternatively, consider implementing energy-saving tech that can eliminate wastage.

Putting ESG at the Heart of Your Business

A team of young professionals collaborating in a modern office setting, featuring a hijab-wearing woman actively engaging in the discussion alongside her colleagues. Employees today want more than just a job — they want to work for companies that align with their values. With ESG, you can build a workplace that inspires productivity, loyalty, and purpose.

ESG — Environmental, Social, and Governance — is about running a business that’s green, socially responsible, and well-managed. And let’s face it, customers and investors are putting their money where their values are. With US$83 billion invested in ESG funds across Asia, businesses that prioritise sustainability are reaping the rewards — not just in reputation, but in real results.

On top of that, strong ESG practices can boost employee morale and productivity, and attract potential talent because people want to work for companies that align with their values. So, what can you do? Start with transparency reporting by disclosing your ESG progress regularly. And while you’re at it, champion diversity and employee well-being in your leadership teams as after all, fresh perspectives drive better decisions and higher employee satisfaction.

Sustainable Supply Chains

A woman browsing sustainable fashion at an outdoor market, with a photographer capturing the moment, showcasing eco-friendly shopping and conscious living.Real sustainability can be achieved when we hold each other accountable, so regularly audit your suppliers to uphold environmental and social standards.

A sustainable supply chain isn’t just about being ethical, it’s a smart business move. Consumers and regulators are paying closer attention to where products come from and how they’re made. In ASEAN, where 60% of the economy comes from consumer spending, customers are now increasingly willing to spend on sustainable products.

If you want to win their trust (and avoid bad PR or regulatory fines), it’s time to ensure your supply chain is ethical and eco-friendly. What’s the move? Regularly check your suppliers to make sure they’re meeting environmental and social standards. Better yet, source locally to reduce transport emissions and give local businesses a boost — #sapotlokal, right?

Circular Economy Models

A hand dropping a used mobile phone into a recycling point, promoting sustainable e-waste management and eco-friendly practicesLess waste means lower costs — and new opportunities for revenue. Credits: Telstra

Waste isn’t just waste anymore — it’s wasted opportunity. Circular economy models focus on recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials to minimise waste. The math is simple: less waste produced means lower operational costs and improved revenue streams.

Companies adopting circular practices have found new business opportunities by upcycling and refurbishing products. Plus, with growing regulatory pressures across Asia such as Singapore and Japan, it pays to get ahead. Where can you start? You can initiate take-back programs where customers return used products for recycling. Better yet, design products with their entire lifecycle in mind — because thinking ahead means reducing waste from the get-go.

Digital Sustainability

A technician in a safety helmet and vest working on a laptop beside a solar panel array. Work smarter, not harder. Use analytics tools to predict energy demand, cut waste, and stay compliant.

Digital tools are the secret weapon for businesses that want to optimise resources and cut costs. From AI and IoT to data analytics, tech isn’t just about tracking sustainability goals — it’s about achieving them. Companies using IoT for energy management have seen energy usage drop by up to 30% and operating costs fall by 20%. Real-time insights mean you can act fast, stay efficient, and remain compliant with new regulations.

To start with, you can use analytics platforms to predict energy demand and eliminate waste. Tools like carbon calculators can also help you accurately monitor and report Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions — making compliance a fairly straightforward process.

Not Sure Exactly Where & How to Start? Take The First Step with Pos Hijau

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this talk of sustainability and emissions tracking, don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Enter Pos Hijau, Pos Malaysia’s groundbreaking tool designed to support businesses like yours on their sustainability journey. As the first-of-its-kind solution from a Malaysian logistics firm, Pos Hijau makes sustainability less daunting and way more doable.

Here’s how Pos Hijau simplifies the process:

  1. Simplifies GHG Reporting: Tracking and reporting GHG emissions — especially tricky ones like Scope 3 — becomes straightforward and efficient.
  2. ISO-Compliant Calculations: Pos Hijau uses the trusted Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework, ensuring precise and reliable emissions data you can count on.
  3. Detailed Emissions Reports: You’ll get clear, actionable reports that make meeting ESG compliance and sustainability goals much easier.
  4. Identifies Inefficiencies: Pos Hijau helps uncover gaps in your current sustainability practices so you can realign, improve, and save costs.
  5. Empowers Decision-Making: With transparent, actionable data, you’ll have the insights you need to make targeted emissions reductions and smarter sustainability moves.

Call to Action

With Pos Hijau, Pos Malaysia helps you move forward with confidence. This all-in-one carbon tracking and accounting tool simplifies the process for both companies preparing to go public and those already listed, making it easier to measure, manage, and reduce GHG emissions.

Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated, and with Pos Hijau, you’ve got a reliable partner to guide you every step of the way. Click here for more info.