How can you develop and maintain partnerships with CSR and climate change actors?

It’s important to research the key problems and issues, as well as the differing viewpoints of host countries/actors at the point of implementation of action and to focus on how to resolve the issues for any credibility. An agreed framework for action that provides a memorandum of understanding is also necessary with an implementation plan with metrics and monthly reporting and enforcement. It is important to note that progress is long term and gradual. Is the CSR a public-private partnership, which can also attract grant funding; or, is the program private or multilateral in nature with loan funding? Innovation in any CSR program will be necessary to address the climate frontier of action necessary to bring about change.

When it comes to CSR / Climate, there are three phases prior to execution: education, measurement, and goal setting. Education: Without learning the basics of CSR, you’ll be dependent upon consultants for basics and prone to making commitments you can’t keep. Learn the basics, but don’t become an expert Measurement: You need to take a basic accounting of where you stand. You cannot know where to go without knowing where you are. Goal setting: Define success, both numerically and temporally. Set midway checkpoints for evaluation.

I think mapping is fine but remember not to be too mechanical about the way you pursue relationships in CSR. Understand that these relationships must be rooted in trust, and if anyone feels like you are just using them to get something, it won't go well.

CSR will require often connecting with local non-profits, but climate is more about internal processes and physical facilities. For climate, treat it like an engineering problem - set the goal (probably at least 50% emissions reduction by 2030) and then work backwards. Typically this means figuring out what it takes to cut emissions about 8-9% / year. That’s less scary and more manageable. Then determine whether that’s an internal process and resource it, or need to hire an external service provider (and resource it).

The key to building meaningful partnerships is by connecting and engaging with people with no expectation of outcome. If you go into it clearly just trying to get something out of someone, this won't build trust. Think of ways you can be helpful and learn from one another, and there's no telling what could happen down the road. The sustainability community is small, so the more you can authentically connect with others, the better off you will be.

On climate, this is ESSENTIAL. If you’re not regularly monitoring, you won’t succeed. Annual check-ins will likely be insufficient. But spending 5-10 minutes per month will all it should be to keep on track.

For climate, I would strongly encourage you to use a software tracking tool to automate your accounting and reporting. There is one for your budget and needs. If you’re an SMB, we’d love to help you at Aclymate.

Developing and maintaining partnerships with CSR and climate change actors requires a strategic approach. In my experience, identifying organizations and groups with aligned goals is the first step. For instance, I spearheaded a partnership with a local environmental NGO for a tree-planting initiative. This involved regular meetings to align our objectives and strategies. To maintain the partnership, we set up a joint committee for ongoing project management and communication. We also collaborated on public events and campaigns, amplifying our impact and reach. Mutual respect and transparency were key in nurturing these relationships. Additionally, sharing successes and learnings helped us grow and adapt our approaches together.