3 expert tips for embedding Business Continuity into your organization

Successfully embedding Business Continuity

It’s no secret that the companies that have successfully embedded Business Bontinuity into the organization are better equipped to manage disruptions than those that haven’t. Achieving this across the organization, however, is easier said than done.

Imagine an organization where Business Continuity is given the same level of attention as health and safety and staff have the same level of awareness around business continuity as information security. Let’s just say, we’re not there yet…

But, that’s not to say we shouldn’t persevere. There was a time when health and safety and data security were overlooked in organizations, too.

Business Continuity is business critical

Business Continuity is business critical and, as Business Continuity Management (BCM) experts, we must work towards achievable goals as part of the embedding process.

To do this, we have to understand the organization – its dependencies and critical needs – as well as the current Business Continuity capabilities. Importantly, we must also accept that embedding Business Continuity into business-as-usual can only be fully achieved if it’s done on both a practical and a cultural level.

In my role as a consultant, I support many large international organisations headquartered both here in the UK and abroad. Embedding Business Continuity best practice across an organization seems to be a recurring challenge, and one that the 4C team is often asked to support clients with.

“Obviously, there is no silver bullet for this and the ideal method will differ depending on the size, structure and Business Continuity maturity level of an organization.”

Mathilda Jansson, Business Continuity Consultant – 4C Strategies

3 ways to embed Business Continuity

As a rule of thumb, success will only be achieved through a collaborative approach to business continuity, and within this, there are three important considerations for any embedding strategy:

Reap the benefits of organization-wide Business Continuity Management

If you can implement these simple but effective tips, embedding Business Continuity will become easier and its advantages greater. These benefits include fewer escalating incidents and improved responses to disruptions. In turn, this generates cost-savings and improved confidence in the organization by all stakeholders.

Short on time? Watch the video for the quick summary from Mathilda Jansson

Nature’s impact on business value is inarguable

Alarmingly, studies indicate that we are on track to exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold within the next five years, while human activities continue to contribute to the alarming decline of nature.

Just as investors and other stakeholders are holding companies accountable for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it’s becoming evident that businesses will soon be expected to go beyond that and address a broader range of nature-related risks.

I cannot overstate the importance of Climate Risk on long-term enterprise value, the global economy, and society as a whole. The degradation of natural systems poses a genuine threat to organizations worldwide, as their survival depends on healthy ecosystems.

These nature-related risks encompass a wide array of environmental and ecological impacts that are linked to a mind-boggling $44 trillion in economic value generation, representing nearly half of the global GDP according to the World Economic Forum. Industries such as oil and gas, food and beverage, mining, and transportation are particularly vulnerable, as the risks they face currently outweigh the available mitigation options.

Every industry faces climate-risk

However, nature-related risks affect all businesses.

The financial risks associated with nature loss are extensive and multifaceted, ranging from potential asset damage, disruptions to production and supply chains due to ecosystem degradation, and escalating policy, legal, and market risks. The imposition of financial penalties for harming nature is also becoming increasingly tangible.

With this in mind, I believe it is crucial for business leaders to incorporate nature, in addition to climate, into their resilience planning.

3 key factors for Climate Risk

To realize the positive value of nature and address these risks effectively, businesses must consider the following key factors:

Building Climate Resilience is mission-critical

Building resilience to climate change and nature loss is vital for businesses. They should explore alternative suppliers or routes for critical products and services and develop response plans to ensure uninterrupted operations. By integrating nature-conscious processes into strategy, organizations can mitigate risks, capitalize on opportunities, and contribute to sustainability.

Climate technology takes center-stage

The Exonaut Climate Resilience platform provides a comprehensive solution for proactive climate resilience and sustainability. It assists businesses in reducing carbon emissions, adapting to climate change impacts, and leveraging climate-related opportunities. By incorporating nature into their strategies, organizations can mitigate risks, seize opportunities, and work towards a sustainable future.

The establishment of standards for managing nature-related risks is following a similar trajectory as those set for addressing climate change. These reporting standards are crucial in driving transparency, accountability, and action in managing nature-related risks. They provide guidance for businesses to effectively assess, disclose, and address their impact on the environment and ecosystems.

To provide a clearer overview, I’ve listed below some of the relevant reporting standards we can help you to report against:

In summary: Integrating business and nature is our best hope

Nature holds a significance that goes beyond mere economic value, encompassing intrinsic worth that cannot be measured in monetary terms.

It contributes to the well-being of communities by fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Nature provides solace, inspiration, and cultural significance, enriching the lives of individuals and communities alike.

Natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, play a crucial role in mitigating disasters. They act as natural buffers, absorbing and minimizing the impact of floods, storms, and landslides. Embracing nature-based solutions, like green infrastructure, allows us to manage disaster risks sustainably while enhancing community resilience.

Protecting natural habitats is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and providing valuable resources for human communities. This also ties in with species conservation efforts contribute to the long-term stability and sustainability of our environment. By valuing and integrating nature into our business strategies, I believe we can build a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations. Let us embrace our responsibility and take action today.