Trimming the Excess: The BESTMEG Formula for Overcoming the Seven Pillars of Environmental Inefficiency"

In an era where environmental consciousness is not just a buzzword but a lifestyle, the BESTMEG mantra bursts forth as the eco-business champion code – a holistic guide to championing the planet, one green deed at a time.

Using the acronym BESTMEG, here are examples of green, lean, and sustainable green team’s practices for each aspect:

Biodiversity:

 Think of it as Mother Nature's own intricate web; we are weaving it stronger with wildlife corridors that let creatures great and small commute without fear, and with gardens that buzz and flutter with local floras, turning concrete jungles into thriving ecosystems.

• Creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and allow for the safe movement of species.

• Implementing native plant landscaping to support local insects and bird populations.

(Exercise the 5 Whys on the Washington Memorial) ref. link.

Energy:

It's out with the old smokestacks and in with the sleek solar panels, making our energy as clean as our consciences. Picture buildings wrapped in a cozy blanket of insulation, glowing softly with the warm, efficient light of LED bulbs as if saying, "Look, no emissions here!"

• Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

• Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings through upgraded insulation and LED lighting.

Sustainability:

Sustainability is our compass, steering us clear of the throw-away culture and into the embracing circle of a circular economy — where products live nine lives and corporate bigwigs swap their ties for a greener badge, pledging allegiance to Mother Earth with every ESG report.

• Adopting circular economy principles where products are designed to be reused, repaired, and recycled, minimizing waste and conserving resources.

• Establishing corporate sustainability goals and reporting transparently on progress towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks.

Transport:

T is for Transport, where vehicles no longer guzzle gas but sip electricity with polite, muted enthusiasm, their tailpipes as clean as a whistle. The call of the day is to share rides like stories, pedal through streets with the wind as our companion, and let public transport swaddle us in its prompt, punctual embrace.

• Investing in electric vehicle fleets and providing charging infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions.

• Promoting carpooling, public transportation, and encourage non-motorized transport options like biking and walking.

Materials:

Our Materials rethink brings into the limelight the humble bamboo and its posse of eco-friendly material pals, as we parade them on the runway of sustainable fashion, construction, and beyond. These materials are to carbon footprints what a diet is to calories – a big old reduction.

• Using sustainable materials such as bamboo, which grows quickly and doesn't require pesticides, for construction and products.

• Selecting materials with a lower carbon footprint, such as recycled plastics or metals, for manufacturing.

Emissions:

Emissions – the dragon we are all slaying, one carbon capture technology at a time, tuning our machines to purr with efficiency, and squeezing every last mile out of our carbon budget.

• Implementing carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce the impact of industrial emissions.

• Regularly maintaining machinery and vehicles to ensure they operate efficiently and produce fewer emissions.

Garbage:

Garbage – is no longer a dirty word, but a trove of potential, as we turn our peels and leftovers into gourmet compost, while championing the zero-waste mindset with the enthusiasm of a convert.

• Establishing composting programs to turn organic waste into valuable soil amendments.

• Implementing zero-waste initiatives that focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize landfill use.

These examples show how diverse the approach to sustainability can be, reflecting the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship across different sectors and activities.

Together, these practices form the bedrock of our efforts, highlighting the mosaic of pathways leading us towards the epitome of a sustainable, future-proof civilization. Buckle up your compostable belts, folks, because this green revolution, powered by BESTMEG, is the epitome of lean, green, and a sustainability green teams.

In our contemporary society, the notion of waste extends far beyond the mere mismanagement of material resources; it permeates the underutilisation of human talent and potential. The genuine desire to problem solves and innovate often lies dormant in a vast array of individuals who are either systematically overlooked or operate in environments that fail to nurture their abilities. This squandering of human capital is especially egregious when we consider the pressing environmental challenges that threaten our planet.

When we waste talent and resources, we jeopardize not only the present equilibrium but also the prospects of future generations who will inhabit this Earth. It is therefore crucial that we re-evaluate our business structures and education systems to ensure that every person has the chance to apply their talents towards the sevenfold goal of nurturing a greener and more sustainable world in the working environment.

Author: Rob Brosnan - MSC in Lean and Business Sustainability, (13 May 24)  

From the forthcoming book, Sustainable Solutions: A Lean Approach to a Green Future; Toolkit Green & Black Belts.